Sudsies Blog

2017 Bridal Trends That Are Worth A Look: Aisle Style

Don’t consider yourself the traditional bride? Here’s our list of the top 2017 trends that were beautiful, yet unexpected.

Move over white satin and full skirts…the recent New York Bridal Fashion Week foretold that weddings gowns are getting dramatic in new and unorthodox ways.  Don’t consider yourself the traditional bride? Here’s our list of the top 2017 trends that were beautiful, yet unexpected.

Tickled Pink

Pink is no longer reserved for Barbie Bride. The runways represented the full gamut, from the subtle to the vibrant.  Sabrina Dahan flecked white tulle with pastel floral appliqués. Naheem Khan and Houghton took it a step further with full silhouettes in light blush, lavenders, and peach tones. A Romona Keveza number of salmon satin embellished in darker toned flowers caught a lot of eyes, and things got wildly rosy when Christian Siriano managed to fit in the whole pink spectrum with a show stopping dress of a petal-like skirt that cascaded in ombre.

Similarly, black gowns no longer scream Morticia Adams or Elvira. Naheem Khan received a standing ovation for his ebony finale gown doused with rosettes and mantilla-inspired veil.

Nude Non-illusions

Saying vows are a moment of baring one’s heart and soul… and now also the neckline, stomach, and legs. Designers Berta and Mira Zwillinger took the lead on this trend with serious close-call coverage. Yet even bridal darlings like Angel Sanchez and Monique Lhuiller represented the trend with subtle peephole lines and daring cuts under sheer overlays.

It’s She Who Wears the Pants

A top emerging wedding dress trend that forgoes the dress all together. Christian Siriano sent down two options: one of a more traditional-like pantsuit, the other a sexy jumper. Lela Rose romanticized her pant version with a statement bow on the back. Carolina Herrera showcased a pant and shirt combo of her signature clean, pressed lines softened with a beautifully embroidered veil, while Monique Lhullier merged modern with traditional with a lace jumper fastened to a full train…. Who can dance in a long dress anyway?

Super Capes

Capes provided delicate modesty and a whole lot of style. The approach varied, with Marchesa sleeves flowing effortlessly down the arms, contrasted with Lela Rose’s more tailored button-down version. Elizabeth Fillmore and Naeem Khan were a tad more literal, as seen in the bow tied cape and high-low poncho looks, respectively. Claire Pettibone, Berta, and Monique Lhullier also offered up fluttering cape adornments.

Time for Take Off

In a day where brides typically wear up to three dresses on their Big Day, detachable elements offered up fresh looks available in a singular garment, as well as functionality. Romona Keveza solved the hassle of pinning up trains in between ceremony and reception with a removable train. Detachable bows on select looks from Sachin + Babi Noir could be changed out for glitzy belts or arm candy in time for the party. Marchesa and Reem Acra offered the most dramatic transformations with ruffled skirts and tulle layers that could be removed to unveil a more streamlined silhouette.

No matter what style you choose, let Sudsies help you preserve memories from your Big Day with our Bridal Dress Cleaning and Preservation services. Visit here for more information.

Sudsies Turns 20!

Sudsies just celebrated its 20th anniversary! The years flew by and we remember them all fondly, from our infancy as a single dry cleaner and laundry location to spreading our wings in several locations.  However, we’d say we really found ourselves in 2001.

Sudsies just celebrated its 20th anniversary! The years flew by and we remember them all fondly, from our infancy as a single dry cleaner and laundry location to spreading our wings in several locations.  However, we’d say we really found ourselves in 2001.  That’s when we revolutionized pick-up and drop-off service within the industry to match our customer needs: when they wanted it, where they wanted it, and how they wanted it.

We’ve aimed to pioneer a range of other offerings and conveniences for our clients, from daily service Monday through Saturday, a multi-tier speciality department for couture and bespoke pieces, incredible tailoring feats, sister company Rugsies that cares for fabrics and “garments” of the home, and most recently Sudsies Express mailing service throughout the United States. From the get go, we’ve implemented a complete environmental-friendly process incorporating our machinery, solvents, recyclables, and other thoughtful practices to help sustain very community we’ve been allowed to thrive in.

The people who have helped to bring up Sudises have grown significantly too. Our team has expanded from three to now more than 100 team members. It’s incredible to watch some of our staff personally and professionally develop alongside the company, many who started in operations or customer service and have now worked their way up to management positions. Many of you have had the pleasure of meeting and working with General Manager, Luis Moreno, who started at Sudsies when he was just 18 years old. His tenacity, dedication, and infectious smile (one can even feel it over the phone!) make him a strong, yet inspiring, go-to leader. In fact, our entire leadership team was selected from within. It is these individuals who built the Sudsies culture and sends a message that hard work and a good attitude truly pays off around here.

When it comes to growing up, the same goes for our customers – some quite literally. Parents would come in with their children, as young as 5 years old, who we’ve gotten to know over the years. Today, it’s these same children who bring us their suits now as young adults.

A lot has changed over these two decades, but we retain our spirit to continuously offer our customers the best service and our team the best environment.   Sudsies is always evolving to make that happen more efficiently and effectively. The candles on our cake are adding up, each one representing a proud sense of accomplishment. Our birthday wish is to be able to continue doing what we do as part of our service promise and attitude. Furthermore, we’ll always spark a smile while we’re at it.

Thank you for your support and commitment to Sudsies!

 

Why We Like “Tour-ed” Relationships

On the front lines, we hope that our customers have experienced nothing but prompt service, a friendly attitude, and impeccable clothing. This year, we’d like to take our relationship with our customers to the next level and are extending a key to our place for a behind the scenes tour of our facilities.

As with any potential partner, it’s useful to get to know and understand how he/she works. In fact, everyone should be able to ask and be granted a tour of their preferred dry cleaner location. Some things to look for as you view the facilities:

Our employees – gonzalo martnez dianda

Read the rest of this entry »

Top 5 Holiday Movie Fashion Moments

Top 5 Holiday Movie Fashion Moments

Heartwarming or hilarious, there is nothing like a great holiday classic. For two hours, families can put aside any stresses or squabbles and join together to laugh at the dysfunctions of other families or simply be reminded of the true spirit of the season. Of course, being in the clothing business, we can’t help but hone in on the fashion of our favorite characters. Here are some of the most memorable holiday looks beyond the ‘ol Santa suit.

A Christmas Story: Randy’s Winter Wear
Sudsies Synopsis: Nearly every childhood is subjected to aggravating wardrobe insistences from Mom. The matriarch of this tale tried to protect her youngest from midwest winters with a red snowsuit of duvet-like proportions that had Randy lamenting (more like muffling from his scarf mask), “I can’t put my arms down!” Well, at least he’s warm.

Accompanying Services: This little guy could probably benefit from a little tailoring. Our alterations department is precise, ensuring a good fit in both form and function, which would help Randy keep up with the boys on the playground.

Elf: Buddy’s North Pole Uniform
Sudsies Synopsis – Put a grown man of 6’ 3” stature in yellow tights and you’re bound to stop traffic (and supposedly Will Farrell did just that while filming on the New York streets). Buddy The Elf’s outfit was as festive as his personality, albeit more of a Green Bay Packer’s color scheme than holiday.

Accompanying Services: Sudsies spot experts are adept are removing all sorts of stains, including maple syrup. Hand cleaning is imperative for delicate items, such as those infamous tights, fur trimmings, and quirky pointed hat.

Scrooged: The Solid Gold Dancers
Sudsies Synopsis – Programming executive Frank Cross (Bill Murray) knew how to put the spectacle in a Christmas spectacular. Dancers cinched in black bustiers, barely-there briefs and oversized lace headpieces had the network censors sweating, but the controversial costuming stuck in both the show and in our minds. Fun fact: Scrooged marked the final appearance for dance troupe, as the Solid Gold television show was canceled by the time the movie reached theaters.

Accompanying Services: Sudsies is adept in cleaning costumes. In fact, we work with many performing arts groups and organizations to ensure garments are fresh and stage ready. We pick up and deliver directly from and to theaters and provide quick turnarounds. If the show must go on, it might as well look great too.

White Christmas: Finale gowns
Betty (Rosemary Clooney) wowed us with her pipes and Judy (Vera Ellen) stunned with limber dance moves throughout the film. Though, it was the final number that was truly magical, with an open set among snowflakes, tiny ballerinas, and crystal-coated Christmas trees. The sisters donned red velvet gowns that cinched at the waist before cascading to the floor. Simple jewel embellishments and fur trimmings reflected just how glamorous the “Golden Era” was.

Accompanying Services: Sudsies is lauded for its couture services, where designer garments and other high-end pieces are hand-treated. Velvet, silk, sequins, lamé, cashmere, fur…. there isn’t a luxe material we haven’t met and loved working with.

Bridget Jones’ Diary: Darcy’s Christmas Jumper
Sudsies Synopsis: When Mark Darcy (Colin Firth) first turns around at the New Year’s party, revealing a mock neck sweater imprinted with a giant Rudolph head, let’s just say it wasn’t love at first sight. But a few more awkwardly endearingly exchanges with Bridget, and he won us over too. Ugly Christmas sweaters or not, we like him very much. Just the way he is.

Accompanying Services:  After the holidays, be sure to bring in your seasonal wares for a good cleaning before putting them back in storage. Services include a proper folding to minimize crease marks. Then, all you have to do is remove the plastic wrapping and place in cool, dry place.

Tailored to You

Our alterations department is more than nips and tucks, they can perform full on fashion surgeries. We ask Sudsies Head Tailor, Rafael Santos, about what it’s like behind the seams.
1.  What should one look for in a good tailor?
Like any craftsmen, you need someone who is meticulous. I mean this in two ways. First, good tailors pay attention to the details, for infashion, it’s the detailing that makes a garment so interesting. What makes a good tailor great, however, is when that meticulousness is applied to listening and being able to provide customers exactly what they want. The most beautiful clothing means nothing if the wearer doesn’t feel great in it.
2. What are some of the trends you are seeing today?
Right now, it all about fitted clothes. We get a lot of men who want to taper their suits to match this style. I think this trend stems from today’s focus on healthier lifestyles and celebrating our figures. We’ve had several customers who underwent complete body transformations. Rather than buy completely new wardrobe, we’ve reworked their favorite pieces to fit their new figure.
3. What is the most unusual tailoring job you did for a client?
I’m not sure about the most unusual, but certainly the most tedious was a black & white piece that came in for a cleaning. The contrasting colors threatened to bleed over into the other and ruin its striking effect. So, the dry cleaning team enlisted us to dismantle the garment, piece by piece. Each was cleaned separately and we then sewed it back together. Hey, they never said fashion was easy…
4. Does a tear or hole mean it’s all over for your favorite wardrobe item?
I’m confident we can save it. A lot of times we do a process called reweaving. We handwork threads into the damaged area to recreate the fabric’s original structure stitch by stitch. It requires good eyes and a lot of patience, but once completed, it’s really like there was never any damage to begin with.
5. What are some useful tips for a great fit?
I could go on and on about this. For most garments, sleeves should end right where your palm meets your arm. Shoulder seams should lay at the edge of your shoulder and armholes too high or low look and feel uncomfortable. When it comes to suits jackets and blazers, you want them to be fitted, but watch for the X shape when buttoned, as that’s a sign it’s too tight. With pant length, a single break (the crease at the bottom of the leg where it hits your shoe) is ideal, though more casual pants worn with sockless shoes can get away with no break at all. It’s a matter of preference.
If you are ever going to skimp on anything fashion, don’t forgo the time and extra investment to ensure a great fit. It can make a low-priced item look all the more expensive. Vice versa, a poor fit can cheapen the look of even the priciest of labels.
Visit Rafael and our team of tailors at our boutiques… We assure you the needles won’t hurt a bit.

Getting to Know You

We know all your dirty laundry, but that’s not enough for Sudsies.

We have always maintained that we are not in the dry cleaning business, but the people business. Humans need that social connection, and garments certainly aren’t going to talk with us (well, to most of us, anyway), which is why we aim to touch our customers in more ways than simple clean clothes. People like doing business with others they like and trust, two impressions that can be hard to earn and maintain. The best way to initiate that process: get to know them.
A while back, we had a customer who would come in regularly with his seven year old son. We’d chat with the gentleman, but also his son. We’d talk about sports, music, family…. you name it. Nearly 18 years later, we’re still having those conversations, though now he’s a young professional and we’re taking care of his suits. We have a lot of long-time customers whom we’ve won over when they were young children because we took the time to show them that we cared.
Getting to know you is to also to support you. Many of our clients are successful in their own jobs. We love not only hearing about their achievements, but like to commend them as well. Many times, Sudsies team members have written a manager a personal note or a positive online review when they’ve had a great experience working with them on the flip side as a customer. More so, some of our favorite restaurants, hotels, and retail stores were discovered because our clients suggest that we should check them out. There’s only so much we can learn about our customers at a dry cleaning facility, so we’re always happy to follow through on a recommendation to visit their turf.
Perhaps the best way we get to know you, however, is listening. So we’ll stop yacking here and invite you to submit your comments, feedback, achievements, favorite pizza topping, or whatever you wish to share to help us better serve you.

Own It! Why Empowerment Is So Important in the World of Business and & Fashion

A core component of the Sudsies culture is empowerment. We understand you are busy and need answers and service fast, thus we trust our team to make decisions to resolve client requests and matters in a quick, satisfying manner. Empowerment also lies in knowledge. Answers and action are that much easier to provide if you understand exactly what you are doing. It’s not uncommon here to find our managers attending technician training and vice versa, enabling all departments on all levels to knowledgeably speak and tend to a range of matters on the spot.

This concept is critical in the realm of business and self-growth, but also in fashion. It’s interesting to see how the same outfit can look completely different on two people. Why is it that a loud sequin jacket can look like Liberace’s closet find on one, yet fashionably fierce on another? …. Empowerment!

As an extension of art, fashion is meant to be bold, talked about, and even criticized. However, the real impact happens when the clothes don’t speak for themselves, but are interpreted via the wearer. Like any good foundation, that wearer is strong, confident, and proud of her/his outfit choices.

So next time you are tempted by a bold look, don’t lament, “Oh, I could never get away with wearing that.” If everyone thought that way, we wouldn’t have our favorite fashionistas and fashion moments. Empower yourself to step beyond your norm and venture into what intrigues you. If you step out owning and embracing a daring choice, then we’d say you not only got away with wearing it, but had a fashion moment of your own.
 

Sudsies’ Outrageously Fashionable Favorites

Jennifer Lopez – Grammys, 2000

JLo simultaneously redefined the term plunging neckline and high slit in this famous green chiffon dress designed by Versace. When she stepped on the red carpet, she shocked us all, though many of us secretly thought (“you go, girl”). A little known fact: JLo was not the first to wear this number. Gerri Halliwell (Ginger Spice) donned the dress one month earlier at the NRJ Music Awards in Cannes, France, proving our point about the importance of empowerment in creating a memorable look.

 

Lady Gaga – Royal Variety Show, 2009

From her notorious meat dress, bubble mini, egg arrival, disco ball corset, sparking bustiers, and a whole lot of lace, leather, and platform shoes in between, Lady Gaga is a muse for avante garde fashion. But perhaps our favorite of her looks is the one she wore for England’s Royal Variety Show in 2009. The Elizabethan period gown took a twist with red latex and a 20-foot train – an obvious choice when given the opportunity to meet the Queen, no?

For more of her greatest looks click here.

 

Sara Jessica Parker – Sex and the City, Season 4’s “The Real Me”

From the moment we saw SJP rocking a tutu and tank in the opening credits of Sex and the City, we knew we were witnessing the next modern fashion icon. With stylist Patricia Fields, Carrie Bradshaw was a pioneer in making outrageous fashion a daily affair. The biggest testament to her empowerment was in the “fashion roadkill” episode, when she turned a runway face-plant around, instead making the audience fall for her.

 

Rihanna – CFDA Awards, 2014

This pop star beauty is adept at making the uber-sexy look classic… and vice versa. When she accepted an award for Fashion Icon at the CFDA awards, she certainly didn’t disappoint in this much-talked about see through Adam Selman design. More than 230,000 Swarovski crystals provided minimal coverage (OK, basically none), causing quite the stir. But hey, a year later, we’re seeing a spike in nude illusion and lace trends, aren’t we?

 

James Dean – Rebel Without a Cause, 1955

In Golden and Silver era of dashing actors and crooners in debonaire suits, James Dean won over hearts and eyes in a simple ensemble of jeans, tee and red motor jacket. Sixty years later, this look has proven its timelessness, representing masculinity and effortless style.

Henry Calix is Taking Care of You

Henry Calix makes dry cleaning fun, one customer at a time.

At Sudsies, we don’t merely care about clothes, we care about fashion… That is, always looking and feeling your best, which is why our onsite pick-up and drop-off locations are called our “boutiques.” This month, we want you to meet Henry Calix, our Retail Operations Manager, aka our ambassador who takes care of you when on Sudsies’ turf.

 

Henry first got into the dry cleaning business upon graduating high school. He refers to his first company as a “traditional dry cleaner.”

“It was hot, there were clothes everywhere, the staff was curt with answers,” he recalls. “The transaction process wasn’t pleasant or inviting for customers, but their clothes needed to be cleaned.”

Henry pursued college studies, focusing on business before turning his attention back to the industry in 2013. Upon walking into Sudsies, he knew his experience would be way different this time around.

“The customer service was unlike anything I had ever seen.” he says.

Henry fit right in, joining the Sudsies team as Customer Service Manager. Now promoted to Retail Operations Manager, Henry ensures a quality experience both look- and service-wise. The Sudsies boutiques feature light and airy atmospheres, complete with seating and personable quotes on the walls. Instead of being blasted by processing heat from the back, customers enjoy scented air conditioning. One word answers are a no-no here, Sudsies representatives engage customers in conversation from even the simplest of questions.

“I don’t want our customers to feel like dry cleaning is a chore, but can be a pleasurable experience,” says Henry.

Henry juggles quite a bit to ensure this serene environment for both his customers and staff. Daily responsibilities include training by Sudsies standards, staffing for timely and efficient workflow, appropriate pricing per garment, ensuring inventory is processed and returned by promise date, reuniting customer-forgotten pieces with their owner, closing any open issues with satisfactory resolution, maintaining appearance of boutique and uniforms, updating point-of-sale systems, ensuring equipment and machinery is in peak operational standards, managing supplies, coordinating website pick-up requests with delivery manifest, answering customer calls and messages, overseeing tailoring department, interviewing and hiring new personnel, and ensuring that all other Sudsies guidelines, policies and procedures are met. WHEW!

Of all these responsibilities, Henry divulges the most important one in his opinion: enhancing the company culture.

“In business, you have a strategy…a business plan, a goal, a mission. All that is fine. But when you have good culture in an organization, you will not only succeed in your strategy, but you will enjoy what you do, you will love what you do, and inspire others to do the same.”

This includes seeing to the customer from beginning to end, and beyond. Henry recalls one of his favorite customer stories with a client who was relocating to California. He was in the boutique picking up his last order before the big move. As Henry helped him close his account, the customer mentioned how the journey was bittersweet. After the customer left, Henry went outside to snap a picture of the Sudsies fleet in the Miami background and sent him the image as a fond farewell and reminder of his time here.

“The client wrote back, saying he was touched,” recalls Henry. “It’s important that they know that even after they are gone, our customers are always remembered and appreciated.”

Special Report: What You Need to Know About ‘Wrinkle-Free’ Shirts

With today’s hectic lifestyles, who doesn’t appreciate a little added convenience and short-cuts here and there? However, sometimes the offer is indeed too good to be true. Sudsies has found this to be the case with the latest trend in wrinkle resistant claims for dress shirts.

Sudsies Special Report: What You Need to Know About ‘Wrinkle-Free’ Shirts

According to Consumer Reports magazine, wrinkle-free finishes reduce the lifespan of a cotton garment by 20 to 25 percent. The National Cleaners Association (NCA), a professional trade group dedicated to the research and dissemination of the latest information about professional cleaning standards and consumer welfare, followed up on this claim, elaborating the problems associated with these types of items.

NCA Technical Director Alan Spielvogel explains that the formaldehyde resin finish used to help prevent wrinkles stiffens the fibers, making them weak against bending and chafing when laundered in water. Furthermore, Spielvogel, who oversees the Association’s garment laboratory analysis, says there is evidence of this same finish trapping in the residual chlorinated bleaching agents and acids used in the garment dyeing process. They are as harmful as they sound and are activated when in contact with hot water or high temps used during ironing. The result is holes, frays and other noticeable damage in as little as a few washings.

So while you may think wrinkle-free and other resistant garments may be a beneficial technology, it is actually costing you more money both in the short- and long-run. And quite frankly, it’s not saving you much time either if you consistently have to go shopping to replace damaged items. It’s disappointing to snag a new favorite shirt, only to have it become unwearable after a short time. Be aware that despite these drawbacks, untreated shirts are more of a rarity these days. As such, we suggest shopping at speciality stores or online sites for “resin free” options.

For those that still hate ironing, Sudsies aims to provide its clientele good-looking and eco-friendly cleaned garments WITH the added convenience of complimentary pick up and delivery from your location and schedule of choice. Furthermore, our services include providing you the most updated information about garment and cleaning trends such as this, so that you can make informed decisions when purchasing your wardrobe. To make your experience with Sudsies even more special, we always throw in free smiles.

For the full press release of the NCA’s wrinkle-free warnings, click here.

Haute Holidays from The Sudsies Family

During Hanukkah nights, Christmas Day, and all other holiday celebrations in between, we at Sudsies have family in mind. We happen to come from quite a large one. Bonded by dedication, passion, and hard work, our team is loyal to the Sudsies commitment to be more than a dry cleaner.  Our family provides a professional service that makes people look and feel good.

Our extended group of relatives is our incredible, impressive client base across South Florida.  Your support has helped us grow, evolve, and push ourselves to become the best we can be… and that is the true spirit of family.

BUT….as with every family, we can’t help offering a little unsolicited advice. Here are some tips for clean and fashionable festivities. Best wishes for a safe and happy holiday!

1. Sequins and Texas Hair Don’t Mix –  Hairspray film can dilute the sparkle and even discolor sequin garments, so be sure to make all your finishing spritzes before getting dressed.

2. Strapping Appeal – For holiday parties consider a strapped handbag so you have both hands free for cocktailing and greeting shakes and hugs. We like this Kate Spade evening bag, as it can quite possibly go with anything!

"I Kissed Frog Multi Clutch "- Kate Spade

I Kissed Frog Multi Clutch – Kate Spade

That said, straps and embellished jewelry should stay in the closet when wearing satin or silk items, as the accessories can snag the fabric easily, causing irreparable damage. In this case, we’d recommend a glamorous wristlet like this Jimmy Choo number.

Light Gold Embossed Mirror Leather Clutch Bag - Jimmy Choo

Light Gold Embossed Mirror Leather Clutch Bag – Jimmy Choo

3. Pump Pain – They don’t call them “killer shoes” just for their good looks; we’ve all experienced some serious hobbling by the end of the night when wearing high heels. Taping your middle toe with your second toe from the pinkie has been rumored to relieve some of the pressure on the ball of your foot, giving you another song or two on the dance floor.

4. Air it Out – Thanks to the Duchess Kate Middleton, it is now perfectly acceptable to wear the same outfit to more than one event. However, cigar and cigarette smoke can snuff that appeal. If you don’t have time for a dry cleaning in between, simply hang your garment in an area with a gentle