How to Wash Your Delicates

Laundry Tips from The Laundress

In the immortal words of Linda the Bra Lady, the last thing anybody wants is a “dead bra.” And what’s the killer? Machine washing, that’s what.

Give your skivvies a longer, happier life by watching today’s Easy Does It video starring The Laundress cofounder Lindsey Wieber Boyd. As in so many areas of life, correct undie washing involves gentle agitation and careful pressure.

We demonstrate on a bra here, but the techniques work on all delicates. As a bonus, we also have a video that teaches you how to wash your favorite silk dress — get this — in a machine (yes, really). Swish away.

For more tips from The Laundress, check out its blog. To buy any of the products mentioned in the video, go to thelaundress.com. Enter DCVIDEO at checkout for a 20 percent discount.

this week on swirl!

Up to 70% off Alisha Levine
Alisha Levine’s clothing strikes the perfect balance between sexy and comfortable. Snatch up the effortlessly wearable pieces at up to 70 percent off on our sample site — plus get free standard shipping through May 23.

Next Video: How to Pose for a Picture

How to Pose for a Picture

Expert Tips for Looking Good in Photos

Shiny forehead, freak grimace, bulging eyes — you’ve got an uncanny ability to ruin a photo. And thanks to Facebook tagging, the entire world can witness your awkward mugging until the end of time.

You could avoid cameras altogether. Or you could just watch today’s video, with its simple tips for looking great in pictures.

Our expert, Sardi Klein, longtime NYC photographer and professor at The School of Visual Arts and Pratt, has seen it all, from mothers of the bride who peer skyward to avoid double chins to businessmen whose phony smiles turn head shots into mug shots.

Follow her advice, and the next time someone tags you in a photo, you might just share instead of hide.

Is there something you want to learn to do? Submit ideas to easydoesit@dailycandy.com.

Let’s be friends — on Facebook.

Up to 55% off Coralia Leets
Jewelry designer Coralia Leets knows about staying power. Made of chunky stones and hammered metal, her necklaces and earrings are modern heirlooms. And since they’re up to 55% off on our sample site (with free shipping through July 5), they’re pretty and practical.

Next Video: Throw a Successful Dinner Party

How to Create the Perfect Messy Side Bun

Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow

Tonight will probably be filled with bad decisions (that last glass of champers, for starters).

Ring in 2011 with at least a little dignity by avoiding the drunken late-night ponytail. You can stay classy all night long with the perfect messy bun, courtesy of NYC’s Fox & Boy salon (and one of our favorite how-to videos of the year).

Because even if you want to be a hot mess, your hair doesn’t have to be.

Not feeling the messy bun? Try out the around-the-head French braid, modern beehive, or pinned-up curls (for shorter hair).

Throw a Successful Dinner Party

Dinner Smarties

At your last mealtime gathering, you did everything right: big, pricey steaks; fancy-schmancy china; stimulating conversation cards (what’s your animal soul mate?!).

No wonder the whole thing was so awkward.

Next time, take a cue from Tamara Reynolds and Zora O’Neill, the hilarious Astoria-based hostesses with the mostest behind Forking Fantastic: Put the Party Back in Dinner Party.

In today’s video, the gals, who’ve been hosting wildly popular Sunday night shindigs for six years, walk us through dinner party faux pas — and they’re not what you’d expect (the tips or the ladies).

You’ll feel so inspired, you’ll start planning another soiree immediately.

Just don’t bring your sexy panda friend.

Available online at amazon.com. For more information, go to forkingfantastic.com.