Six for Saturday: Quality Clothes Checklist

So, I like this motivating idea around the blogosphere of "Five for Friday", but I can never find the time to post on Friday. Therefore, I have altered it to suit me a little better—Six for Saturday.

This week, I got my new Real Simple magazine. There's a fantastic article in it about how to purchase clothes you'll wear again and again. It's amazing, and only four steps. You can find the

worksheet for the first three steps here.

Step Four is "Shop Smarter". It asks you questions such as "Will it work with your lifestyle?", "Is it good quality?", and "Does it fit and flatter?" My Six for Saturday will give Real Simple's answer to the second question.

Is it good quality?

1. Buttons: Give them a tug to see if they're well anchored; look for frayed threading.
2. Embellishments: Steer clear of stretched seams and excess glue around beading.
3. Fabric: Test if the material is a lint magnet by rubbing it with a fluffy white knit.
4. Lining: Make sure it lies flat, without bubbling or poking out from underneath.
5. Pattern: Eyeball plaids and stripes; they should line up perfectly at the seams.
6. Seams: Check that the stitches are small and straight—no loose or jumbled threads.