Closet Rx

Coffee Talk

Just as you thank your co-workers for complimenting your fabulous outfit, you grab a much-needed cup of morning coffee… and proceed to spill it down your shirt.

Quick fix: Run water through the back of the stain (this usually works best if the stain is fresh). Then hold the wet shirt under the dryer in the ladies' room before heading to your meeting in style.

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Short Stuff

What do you do when you want to wear flats with pants that have been tailored for sky-high heels?

Quick fix: Most stylists keep double-sided hemming tape in their kits for quick on-the-spot shortening. The best part? It's not permanent, so throw those heels in your bag and remove the tape for a sexier after-office look.

Run Away

Printed stockings, like polka-dotted pairs, are big for fall. But a run in the nylon can ruin the whole look before you get out the door.

Quick Fix: To salvage your favorite pair when the damage isn't visible yet, brush a small amount of clear nail polish on the tear, stopping the run in its tracks.

Shine On

You want your gold, platinum and diamond jewelry to really sparkle, but you don't have time to bring it to a shop for deep-machine cleaning.

Quick Fix: Simply drop the pieces into a cup of ammonia and allow them to sit for about 15 minutes. Then carefully remove each precious piece and place them into a fresh cup of soapy water to remove any excess ammonia and bring out the bling. (Note: Do not use this remedy on other gemstones or precious metals without ensuring that it won't do irreversible damage).

White Out

Romantic white silk shoes can be the quintessential investment for your wedding or special occasion. But when the night of dancing ends, your pretty pair can seem like a scuffed one-time wear.

Quick Fix: Head to your local shoe repair shop for a dye job, as most reputable locations will be able to match any color or at least produce a basic black that can be worn again and again.

Drink Up

When it comes to a dinner out with your girlfriends, getting a little tipsy with the Pinot noir can mean a spill on your dress.

Quick Fix: To remedy the mess the professional way, saturate the stain with straight white vinegar. Let it sit for a few minutes, and then run the stain with cold water. If the mark is still there, then repeat.

Sticky Situation

A low-cut shirt can be chic in style but tricky when it comes to modesty.

Quick Fix: Grab a roll of double-stick tape and do a little arts and crafts. Just a piece here and there on the inside of the shirt will reveal no more than the desired cleavage, keeping the fabric in place so the rest is left to the imagination.

Powder Puff

An oil stain on silk—like from a salad dressing spill—can seem daunting, but it's often the easiest to remove.

Quick Fix: First, rub a fair amount of cornstarch or talcum powder onto the stain. Allow the powder to sit for about 20 minutes, and then brush off. The powder should saturate the stain, lifting the oil from the fabric. If there is still a little oil left, then simply repeat the steps until all the dressing has been extracted.

Shoe Shine

So you're running in heels, your stiletto breaks, and you're without a backup pair.

Quick Fix: Keep a tube of strong glue (you can even find heel glue) in your purse for an amateur job until you can get to the shoe repair shop. If the stiletto has a nail in the center, then use glue to cover the nail and fill the hole before reattaching. Hold until dry. If the heel was simply glued to the sole, then scrape off any old glue and then paste the area with fresh adhesive.