Engagement Party

When it comes to an engagement party, you can take a lot of the necessary dressing cues from the invitation. Not only will it tell you the where and when, but the style of the invitation itself can reveal a lot about expectations for the event. Engagement parties can range from a backyard barbecue to a banquet hall celebration, so tailor your outfit accordingly.

If the event is being hosted at the happy couple's home, casual dress is a safe assumption, but resist the urge to go too casual (favor some tailored khakis and a polo shirt or a fun skirt and sandal combo over jeans and a T-shirt). If the couple has rented a hall for their event, it shows increased effort and the expectation for semi-formal attire. Gents should sport a shirt and tie (jacket optional, depending on the venue cues) and women should wear a cocktail dress.

Prep tip: Try scoping out the venue before the event itself so you know if it's inside or outside and get a sense of its style. This can help you dress accordingly—think layers for outdoor venues—and prepare for the evening ahead of time.

Rehearsal dinner

Although the focus of the rehearsal dinner is on making sure things go smoothly for the big day, you still want to make sure you show up looking well-dressed as a member of the wedding party.

If the location's more formal, consider a dressy silhouette, paired with subtle accessories to accent your ensemble, while making sure you fit in with the overall aesthetic. Bridesmaids can layer delicate rose gold jewelry or pearls, which work well for a summer wedding look (try to avoid statement pieces for this occasion). Dapper gentlemen can stick to the classic suit and tie, with some cuff links for a nice touch. For a more casual dinner, you can loosen up a bit; ladies can go with either sundresses or breezy blouses and culottes while fellows will look sharp in a dress shirt/blazer combo.

Prep tip: If you're traveling to a destination wedding, pack your clothing with care; place them in a garment bag to keep them in mint condition. Also, while you are busy toasting the couple in your rehearsal outfit, don't forget to make arrangements to have your wedding outfit steamed or pressed before the main event. Entrusting a dry cleaning service with this task means you can relax and enjoy the pre-wedding celebrations.

After-wedding brunch

Similar to reinventing casual pieces for a black tie affair, you can update formal ensembles for more laid-back events. Consider dressy separates for the post-wedding brunch, where you can take advantage of the opportunity to play with textures. Lightweight materials that are also luxe—think lace, eyelet details or chiffon in pastel or neutral palettes—work well on a skirt/blouse combo for women. Men, dress up your chinos with an oxford shirt, blazer optional.

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Prep tip: Be prepared for anything from champagne spills to an accident with the amuse-bouche. Keep a travel-sized stain remover in your purse or clutch for immediate treatment, but after the brunch, head to your dry cleaner to avoid any permanent damage.

As a wedding guest, you'll attend many events. Show your support for the happy couple by dressing your best—and that includes keeping your clothes spotless.

Our cheat sheet makes dressing for wedding-related events a simpler process. For more style tips, consult our guide to deciphering the wedding dress code.

Photos: Sweet Ice Cream Photography, Clem Onojeghuo, Thomas Martinsen, Brooke Larke

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WASHINGTON, Feb. 23, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Rinse, Inc., today announced it has launched service in its third market: Washington, DC.

Rinse started its innovative dry cleaning and laundry delivery service in San Francisco in 2013. Its primary goal has been to remove the friction that comes with clothing care and create a high-quality, consistent, and reliable customer experience. By working with only the best cleaning partners, developing a robust technology backbone that supports its operations, and providing world-class customer service, Rinse has done just that.

Rinse has grown rapidly in San Francisco and Los Angeles over the past few years, and has created a differentiated service that its customers love. Rinse has a Net Promoter Score (NPS) of 50 with its customers, in an industry where negative NPS is the norm. Because of that, it has been able to drive best-in-class retention rates and build a strong reputation for quality and service.

With a strong foundation in San Francisco and Los Angeles, Rinse is now focused on accelerating its expansion across the US, and anticipates opening up several new markets in 2017. Its first stop is Washington, DC.

"We're really excited for Washington, DC to be our first market outside of California and be an anchor for us on the East Coast. It's always been one of our favorite cities. We've built a large wait list and the initial response with alpha customers has been incredible, so we knew it was time to officially launch our service here," said Ajay Prakash, Rinse's CEO and Co-founder.

"We obsess about providing a high-quality clean on every garment," said James Joun, COO and Co-founder. Joun learned the importance of quality cleaning from his parents, who have been in the dry cleaning business for 25+ years. "We are thrilled to bring our service to DC, where high-quality dry cleaning plays a critical role in many people's day-to-day lives."
 

Rinse has built a differentiated service since it launched over three years ago. At a time when every new consumer service tried to be "on-demand," Rinse focused on quality and ""smart scheduling"" to make sure its service addressed its customer pain points directly. It also chose to take a stand against gender-based pricing and charge the same price to dry clean/launder & press both men's and women's button down shirts -- an uncommon practice. In addition, Rinse is doing its part to grow its green practices, including only working with cleaners who use environmentally friendly solvents and detergents (and not working with any cleaner who uses PERC, a solvent that is a known carcinogen), collecting and donating clothes on behalf of its customers (Rinse has donated 10 tons of clothing to date), and only working with wash & fold partners who use high efficiency washers (Rinse has helped save 6 million gallons of water to date).

About Rinse:

Rinse is a consumer service that has created a consistent and seamless clothing care experience for its customers. Its services include Dry Cleaning, Launder & Press, Wash & Fold, Hang Dry, Repairs, Leather Cleaning, and it even takes Clothing Donations. Rinse combines the high-quality care your clothes deserve with the convenience and simplicity your busy schedule demands. The company was founded by Ajay Prakash and James Joun and is headquartered in San Francisco. To experience Rinse for yourself, please visit www.rinse.com or download the Rinse mobile app (available on iOS or Android).

Contact: Arrianne Talma, [email protected]

SOURCE Rinse, Inc.

Related Links http://www.rinse.com

The start of fall signals an end to summer’s laid back vibe and the return to routine. On the wardrobe front, it’s time to re-evaluate your clothes and ensure you have the right pieces to look your best. Here are a few fashion investments that you can depend on for many falls to come.

Sleek dresses, tweed jackets and ankle boots for women

While a flattering little black dress can be a classic look, change things up and opt for a sleek silhouette in any dark neutral shade. Cashmere and rayon are two popular fabrics, and it’s worth splurging on a timeless, quality piece that’s flexible throughout the fall season. You can use your dress as a canvas for simple statement accessories that will take you from desk to drinks. When the weather cools, tights can make for a stylish pairing with your outfit.

You can also invest in a tailored tweed jacket that you’ll likely keep for life. The gorgeous texture will add instant visual interest to your outfit and a neutral color will go with just about anything. Pair with a v-neck or button-down shirt for a dressy and enduring look.

For footwear, black leather ankle boots go well with several styles. Boots with minimal embellishments will add a touch of sophistication to your ensemble. You’ll likely be wearing them on a regular basis, so choose a high quality design that can stand the test of time.

Sports jackets and leather brogues for men

An unstructured sports jacket is the worthy investment to make this fall. Look for unlined versions that are tailored to the body but still give the jacket a comfortable and flexible fit. Wear it over a button-down shirt as a business-casual option or over a cotton shirt during a laissez-faire weekend. This particular piece will be in your wardrobe for the long haul.

When it comes to shoes, seek out a pair of dependable leather brogues. This classic men’s footwear works well with suits or jeans (there’s a reason they’re in your dad and granddad’s closets). For today’s modern man, socks are optional, although pairing classic shoes with a brightly patterned pair is a fun way to add a splash of personality.

Leather jackets and dark denim for both

A leather jacket in smooth luxe lambskin can look like a dream with work pants or jeans. You’ll likely have only one of these staple pieces in your closet, so take the time to choose something that will last—and that you will love.

As for denim, there might be several pairs circulating in your wardrobe, but we all have that one go-to pair that feels priceless. High quality, tailored dark jeans are a must-have staple. Ladies, dress your denim up with a blazer and heels or down with a T-shirt and ballet flats. Guys, kick your denim game up a notch by layering on a sports jacket.

Caring for your investment pieces

Cleaning

• To maintain a fresh look for your tweed jacket, a steamer will do the trick. In many cases, tweed will get distorted when wet—defer to a professional cleaning service if you get a stain on your jacket.
• The same treatment goes for your sports jacket if it gets dirty, but you can air dry it outdoors to remove any odors.
• A clothes brush also works wonders in removing dirt or small specks from your investment pieces.
• If your dress is made of a blend like cashmere, you can wash it by hand in cold water with a gentle detergent. Then air dry, but keep it out of the sunlight to avoid color damage.
• When it comes to expensive denim, it’s better to avoid cleaning it too often. Instead, soak your jeans in cold water and a bit of mild detergent; then rinse with cold water. Some high-end brands suggest freezing the dirt away. That’s right—place your favorite raw denim in a sealed bag in your freezer. The cold temperature will help to kill bacteria, leaving your jeans smelling and feeling fresh.
• Keep leather shoes looking like new by using a soft damp cloth and a drop of mild soap to wipe off any dirt. Follow up with shoe polish to make them shine again, and apply some conditioner in between wears to keep the leather soft. Check out our leather guide for more details.

Storing

• Garments that wrinkle easily like dresses or jackets should be hung on non-slip hangers or ones with clips. To help your leather jacket maintain its shape, opt for a sturdy wooden hanger.
• You can fold knitwear and durable pieces like dresses or jeans.
• For more info, our guide to clothes storage has got you covered. Quality clothing can be a big investment upfront, but choosing key timeless pieces and taking good care of them will ensure their longevity in style and value.

Photos: Margot Pandone, Ramon Carretero / Shutterstock.com, FXQuadro / Shutterstock.com, Brandon Couch, Jason Briscoe

While looking our best and staying warm may be our top priorities as the weather gets chillier, we also want to make sure that we're well prepared to take care of our wardrobes in the coming months. Stay effortlessly layered with these comfortable fabrics for a season of changing colors and cooling temperatures.

Knitwear

Few things say fall quite like curling up with a big cup of coffee in your favorite oversized knit. To keep your favorite cuddle buddy in great shape, place your knitwear item into a mesh laundry bag before cleaning, and use the delicate cycle. If you're washing by hand, use warm water mixed with a gentle detergent. Press or squeeze to remove excess water—wringing will stretch the material—and lay flat or hang to dry, depending on specific instructions, to maintain its shape so you can keep wearing that cozy top all season long.

Leather

This sleek, durable material works well for a lot of looks. Dress it up with a pencil skirt for work, or keep it casual with ripped jeans on the weekend. To keep your leather apparel in top condition, entrust it to a specialty cleaner—they can maintain the natural oils in the fabric, while protecting against color changes or cracks. In between professional washings, there are a few things you can do to prolong the lifespan of your leather:

• Ask your cleaner for advice on an appropriate leather conditioner.
• Hang leather pieces on wide wooden, plastic or padded hangers, in order to maintain shape.
• Keep leather out of hot or damp areas.
• Avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, and don’t cover it in plastic—all of these factors can cause your leather to dry out.
• If stains do arise, blot them out with a wet cloth.

Denim

Jeans are an uncomplicated style staple that look good on almost everyone, but consider a distressed jacket for a different twist on denim—and an on-trend ode to the 90s. On that note, take a cue from street style bloggers and pair denim on denim in different shades. While this is a sturdy fabric, you should avoid machine washing because denim can shrink and fade. Most denim can be washed in cold water with mild detergent and hung to dry, but some brands would benefit from dry cleaning, and raw denim is better left unwashed.

Corduroy

For occasions when you want to give your leather jacket a break, reach for a corduroy coat to channel a style that's equal parts polished and preppy. Look for quality details such as brass buttons, which can elevate the look of standard corduroy clothing. This versatile fabric is easy to care for. It can be machine washed in warm water (for lighter hues) or cold water (for darker hues). Remember to turn it inside out before tossing the item in the machine to avoid collecting lint on the material. A quick spin on the normal cycle—tumble dry low between wears—and you're good to go.

Flannel

A fall classic, flannel is perfect for scarves, shirts, outerwear, or even a poncho—a comfortable transitional piece when the outside temperature doesn't quite call for a winter coat. Check the clothing label for the most optimal cleaning options. Most basic flannel pieces can be hand washed with a gentle laundry soap and hung to dry, while other items (such as scarves or coats) may require dry cleaning.

Wool

When the fall season gets especially chilly, you can don a wool coat, hat or sweater to stay warm. Most wool can be hand washed, but follow the label's instructions for specific guidelines. Sweaters should be swished and soaked inside-out in lukewarm water for at least ten minutes. When drying, squeeze out excess water before laying the garment flat on a mesh rack. Don’t wring out or hang your wool as it stretches easily.

With these clothing care tips, you can stay stylish all season long in the cozy textures of fall.

Photos: Maria Shanina, Llywelyn Nys, John Mark Arnold, Priscilla Westra, Luke Pamer, Benjamin Combs, Ben Blennerhassett

What is PERC?

PERC is short for Perchloroethylene, a colorless volatile organic solvent commonly used in dry cleaning. Although PERC is effective at dissolving stains and dirt from clothing, it also poses significant health risks if it’s not properly controlled. Since the 1930s, PERC has set the standard for cleaning performance in the industry—nearly 80% of dry cleaner in the US and Canada currently use PERC. Its effectiveness as a cleaning agent however comes with some significant downsides.

Dangers

The Environmental Protection Agency considers PERC a toxic air pollutant, meaning that it’s “known or suspected to cause cancer or other serious health effects.”

According to The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), PERC is a "potential occupational carcinogen." The National Toxicology Program has designated it as "reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen," while The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has designated PERC to be a "probable human carcinogen."

It’s clear that PERC poses significant health risks. If not properly handled, PERC can penetrate through nearly any surface, including concrete, and can even seep into groundwater. Dry cleaners are required by federal law to handle PERC as a hazardous waste, and if mishandled, the solvent poses risk to both people and the environment.

During the dry cleaning process, PERC primarily enters the body from inhalation of the vapors. Exposure to high concentrations of PERC can cause:

• Dizziness
• Headaches Loss of consciousness
• Irritated eyes, nose, mouth, throat, and respiratory tract
 

While short-term exposure can cause immediate harm, the most common risk to workers at dry cleaning facilities involves long-term exposure via increased risk of cancer. PERC's most dangerous noncancer effect is nerve and brain damage.

Although the dry cleaning industry has improved the control of PERC in recent years, largely through advancements in machine design and equipment technology, PERC remains a dangerous factor not only for workers, but for the environment.

Alternatives to Perc

Although the majority of dry cleaners still use PERC, fortunately, safer and environmentally-friendly alternatives do exist. When used, these cleaning methods are just as effective at cleaning as PERC, but they often require more time, a different expertise, and different equipment which is why the majority of dry cleaners have not switched over. Supporting dry cleaners that use sustainable and safe cleaning methods will help the industry move in the right direction.

Some of the alternatives to PERC present challenges in their own right. While they may be safer for workers and less hazardous to the environment, alternatives like CO2 are not economically feasible for most mom and pop dry cleaning shops. Others options like Propylene-glycol ethers are less toxic but are highly flammable or combustible so they require extra equipment and safety precautions to be used safely.

Of the various alternative cleaning methods, the safest, most effective, and most economically feasible option is wet cleaning.

Wet cleaning uses water and soap and utilizes equipment that’s computer-controlled in order to precisely regulate the garment’s exposure to the combination of heat, water, and detergents. Since exposure to water can cause some fabrics to shrink during the cleaning process, the garments are re-shaped using specialized equipment that’s finely-tuned to safely and effectively restore garments to their original shape and size.

Another up-side to wet cleaning: the used wash water doesn’t contain dangerous chemicals or solvents and can therefore be disposed of directly down the drain. Dry cleaning with PERC requires an additional process to recover solvents before disposing of the cleaning byproducts, wet cleaning is the most energy-efficient of PERC alternatives.

Is Your Dry Cleaner Using PERC?

Given the dangers of PERC and the availability of “greener” cleaning alternatives, it’s well worthwhile to make sure you’re not sending your garments to a dry cleaner that’s exposing people and the environment to risk.

Rinse is committed to working only with cleaning partners who never use PERC and are using safe and sustainable alternatives.

So next time you consider sending your clothes to a dry cleaner that may be using a known toxin and potential carcinogen, ask yourself “is this really worth it?” We believe the answer is a resounding “no”, which is why we try to make it easy for you to make the right choice for yourself and the environment. Learn more about Rinse.

NO PURCHASE IS NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN THIS PROMOTION. A PURCHASE WILL NOT IMPROVE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING.

By participating in Rinse Referral Promotion (the “Promotion”), each entrant (or his or her parent or legal guardian if the entrant is under the age of majority in his or her state of residence) unconditionally accepts and agrees to comply with and abide by these Official Rules and the decisions of Rinse, Inc. (“Sponsor”), which shall be final and binding in all respects. Sponsor is responsible for the collection and scoring of entries and the overall administration of the Promotion. Entrants should look solely to Sponsor with any questions, comments or problems related to the Promotion.

1. ELIGIBILITY: The Promotion is only open to legal residents of the 50 United States and the District of Columbia, age 18 or older at time of entry (individually “Entrant”, collectively “Entrants”). Employees of Sponsor and its parent companies, affiliates, subsidiaries, and related companies, agencies, and the judging panel and immediate families (defined as parents, children, siblings and spouse and their respective spouses, regardless of where they reside) and those living in the same household, whether or not related, are not eligible to enter, win or vote. Void in Puerto Rico, all U.S. territories and possessions and overseas military installations and where prohibited or restricted by law. Once an Entrant wins a prize, that Entrant will no longer be eligible to win another prize in this Promotion.

2. TIMING: The Promotion begins Feb 20, 2018 at 9 AM PT and ends on March 31st, 2018 at 11:59 PM PT (the “Promotion Period”).

3. HOW TO ENTER: To enter the Promotion, Entrants must refer someone who completes their first Rinse pickup during the Promotion Period. Entries must be received by Sponsor no later than March 31st, 2018 at 11:59 PM PT to be eligible for the grand prize. No limit on the number of entries.

4. ENTRY REQUIREMENTS: Entrants can submit an entry if (i) a referred friend clicks on their referral link to create a valid Rinse account; and (ii) the referred friend completes a a Rinse pickup during the Promotion Period. Sponsor reserves the right to verify the accuracy or truthfulness of any information contained within a submitted entry. Sponsor reserves the right to disqualify an entry for any reason. Sponsor’s decisions are final and binding with respect to all matters relating to this Promotion.

5. PRIZES: One (1) Entrant will receive a $1000 USD Rinse credit issued via a discount applied to their account. All Entrants who refer a friend who completes their first pickup during the Promotion Period will receive $25 of Rinse credit. All Entrants that refer three (3) or more friends who complete a their first pickup during the Promotion Period will receive three (3) months of free delivery. All Entrants will receive one (1) entry for a chance to the grand prize of $1000 of Rinse credit for every friend that they refer that completes their first Rinse pickp during the Promotion Period. Please allow 2 to 4 weeks for prize delivery. Taxes on prize, if any, are solely the responsibility of the winner. Winners of a prize valued at $600 or more will receive a Federal Tax Form 1099. We recommend that you consult with your tax advisor if you have further questions. Sponsor reserves the right to substitute a prize of equal or greater value in its sole discretion, unless such substitution is prohibited by law. Sponsor may disqualify a winner and select an alternate winner if any prize is returned undeliverable. Prizes are non-transferable. Sponsor need not substitute a prize based on the winner’s request.

6. WINNER SELECTION: Winners will be selected from valid entries received during the Promotion Period. Sponsor’s decisions will be final and binding. Each winning Entrant will be notified via email. The potential winning Entrant must respond to Sponsor’s prize notification post via email within 72 hours from the date and time of the Sponsor’s prize notification and sign an affidavit and release in the form provided by Sponsor. In the event that the potential winning Entrant does not respond to Sponsor’s prize notification post within the specified time or the prize notification post or email is returned as undeliverable or fails to sign Sponsor’s affidavit and release, a new winner will be chosen based on the Judging Criteria. Alternate winners will be contacted via email and must respond to the Sponsor’s prize notification post or within 72 hours from the date and time of the Sponsor’s prize notification post and sign Sponsor’s affidavit and release.

7. LIMITATIONS ON LIABILITY: Sponsor and its respective affiliates, subsidiaries, parent corporations, advertising and promotional agencies, and all of their officers, directors, shareholders, employees, and agents are not responsible for: any incorrect or inaccurate entry information; human errors; technical malfunctions; failures, omissions, interruptions, deletions, or defects of any telephone network, computer online system, computer equipment, servers, providers, or software, including any injury or damage to Entrant's or any other person's computer relating to participation or inability to participate in the Promotion; inability to access the Sponsor’s website, mobile applications or social media outlets or upload information or data; theft, tampering, destruction, or unauthorized access to, or alteration of, Entries; data that is processed late or incorrectly or is incomplete or lost due to telephone, computer, or electronic malfunction or traffic congestion on telephone lines or the Internet or any website or mobile application or for any other reason whatsoever; printing or other errors; or any combination thereof. Proof of uploading information or data or entering information at Sponsor’s website or social media outlets is not considered proof of delivery or receipt. Illegible, duplicate and incomplete Entries will be disqualified. False, fraudulent, or deceptive entries or acts shall render Entrants ineligible and all associated entries will be void.

8. INDEMNITY: Entrant shall indemnify and defend Sponsor its parent companies, each of Sponsor’s advertising agencies, and the officers, directors, employees, and agents of all of the foregoing and the successors and assigns of each of them, from and against actions, claims, damages, liabilities, costs and expenses, including reasonable counsel fees related to (i) Entrant’s use of any prize, (ii) the Sponsor’s use of any of the materials submitted by Entrant in connection with this Promotion or (iii) any intentional misconduct or negligence by Entrant in connection with this Promotion.

9. RELEASES: As a condition of participating in the Promotion, Entrants release Sponsor and its parent, subsidiaries, agencies, divisions and affiliates  from liability, for loss, harm, damage, injury, cost or expense whatsoever including property damage, personal injury and death that may occur in connection with, preparation for, travel to, or participation in the Promotion, or possession, acceptance or use of prize or participation in any Promotion-related activities and claims based on publicity rights, copyright or trademark infringement, defamation or invasion of privacy and merchandise delivery.

10. GENERAL CONDITIONS: Potential winning Entrants are subject to Sponsor’s verification. Sponsor’s decisions are final and binding in all matters related to the Promotion. Potential winners must comply with these Official Rules, and receipt of prizes is contingent upon fulfilling all requirements. Sponsor is not responsible for technical, hardware or software failures, malfunctions, lost or unavailable network connections or failed, incomplete, garbled or delayed computer transmissions or unforeseen schedule changes that may limit an Entrant’s ability to participate in the Promotion, even if caused by Sponsor’s negligence. Sponsor has the sole discretion to modify, cancel or suspend this Promotion should viruses, bugs, unauthorized human intervention or other causes beyond Sponsor’s control affect the administration, security or proper play of the Promotion or Sponsor otherwise becomes incapable of running the Promotion as planned. Sponsor is not responsible for changes to Entrant’s contact information.

11. COLLECTION OF INFORMATION: Information collected in connection with the Promotion will be collected in accordance with Sponsor’s Privacy Policy, available at https://www.rinse.com/privacy. By participating in the Promotion, each entrant agrees to the terms of Sponsor’s Privacy Policy.

12. WINNER LIST: To obtain a winner list by mail, send a stamped, self-addressed envelope to “Rinse Referral Promotion”, Attn Rinse Marketing Dept, 1000 Brannan St, San Francisco, CA 94103. Sponsor will send requested winner lists within 4-6 weeks after all prizes are awarded. Requests for the winner list must be received by April 7th, 2018.

13. SPONSOR: Rinse, Inc., 1000 Brannan St, San Francisco, CA, 94103.

14. This Promotion is not sponsored, endorsed, administered, or associated with Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter