 NewsUSA) – Millions of motorists will be taking to the highways and byways for holiday travel, so the experts at the nonprofit National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) remind drivers to have their vehicle checked out before heading out. “Breakdowns in winter conditions can be especially dangerous,” notes Martin Lawson, ASE’s editorial director.
The following tips from ASE will help vehicle owners choose a good repair shop. * Start shopping for a repair facility before you need one. * Ask your friends and associates for their recommendations, and consult local consumer groups. * Arrange for alternate transportation in advance so you will not feel forced to choose a shop based solely on location. * Look for a neat, well-organized facility, with vehicles in the parking lot equal in value to your own and modern equipment in the service bays. * Look for a courteous staff, with a service consultant or technicians willing to answer your questions. * Look for policies regarding estimated repair costs, diagnostic fees, guarantees and acceptable methods of payment. * Ask if the repair facility specializes or if it usually handles your type of repair work. * Look for signs of professionalism in the customer service area such as civic, community, or customer service awards. * Look for evidence of qualified technicians: trade school diplomas, certificates of advanced course work, and certification by ASE indicate the presence of professional, trained technicians. * Look for the ASE sign. ASE was founded in 1972 to improve the quality of automotive service and repair through the voluntary testing and certification of automotive professionals. ASE-certified technicians wear blue and white ASE shoulder insignia and carry credentials listing their exact area(s) of certification, while their employers display the blue and white ASE sign. * Be ready to describe any changes in your vehicle’s handling or performance or other issues. Do not be embarrassed to ask for simple definitions for any technical terms you find unfamiliar. * Reward good service with repeat business and customer loyalty. Visit www.ase.com for more information, including seasonal car-care tips. |
Be Prepared When the Rubber Meets the Snow
Fashionable Advice for a Career Wardrobe on a Budget
 NewsUSA) – In the workforce, as the job market becomes more competitive, appearances can either make or break you. Yet, many Americans don’t have the money to keep up with their bills, much less update their wardrobe with fashion-forward staples. But looking professional doesn’t have to require a bank loan. It just takes a little clothing-care know-how.
According to a recent national survey sponsored by Woolite, 70 percent of American women surveyed admitted to throwing away clothing at least once a year due to misinformed laundry decisions that resulted in pilling, fading, stretching or bleeding of clothes. In fact, nearly $2 billion worth of clothing was ruined last year due to laundry-related mistakes. Stacy London, co-host of TLC’s fashion show “What Not to Wear,” offers these tips for the working fashionista looking to maintain her look on a budget: - First and foremost, take care of the clothes you have. Avoid ruining the clothes you already own by following each garment’s cleaning instructions. Using a non-harsh detergent, like Woolite, on all of your favorite fashions can help to protect your style investments and extend an outfit’s life. - Shop your closet. A-line skirts and simple cardigans never go out of style, so if you already own a few, stop pushing them to the back of the closet. Combine that A-line skirt with a colorful blouse and a curve-complementing blazer, and you’ll be more than ready for your next presentation. - Invest in versatile pieces. When you do shop for professional clothing, look for pieces that can be worn in and out of the office. The blazer is an easy flattering transition piece that can be translated from day to night. Find a “little black dress” in three season fabrics to get the most wear all year round. Having recently partnered with Woolite to create the “Find the Look, Keep the Look” program, London is dedicated to educating clothes-minded individuals on looking their best every day. Ten boutique owners from across the country have also joined this partnership to offer their insight on regional style trends. Together, they created the “Look Book,” a compilation of basic wardrobe must-haves. The entire book is available online for free at www.findthelookkeepthelook.com. |
Stacy London’s Tips on Updating Your Wardrobe
 NewsUSA) – When it comes to finding a new look this spring, it’s less about spending and more about closet creativity. According to fashion expert and host of TLC’s “What Not To Wear,” Stacy London, “this season, use the basic rules of fashion and fabric care to re-create spring’s hottest looks.”
Fashion basic 101: Shop your closet first. You may already have some key items within your wardrobe that can stand as a strong foundation. Building upon key pieces, like a little black dress, can be an easy way to update your style without breaking the bank. Regardless of the monetary or emotional price, in today’s economy, clothing can be seen as an investment. “Women spend so much time finding their perfect look, it is important to educate them on helping to extend the life of their wardrobe,” says London. Having recently partnered with Woolite to create the “Find the Look, Keep the Look” program, London is dedicated to helping educate clothes-minded individuals on looking their best every day. Ten boutique owners from across the country have also joined this partnership to offer their insight on regional style trends. Together, they created the “Look Book,” a compilation of basic must-haves to update your wardrobe. The entire book is available online for free at www.findthelookkeepthelook.com. Stacy’s Style Tips - Protect your style investments. According to a recent survey sponsored by Woolite, over $2 billion worth of clothing was ruined last year due to laundry-related mistakes. A non-harsh detergent like Woolite is the key to extending the closet-life of your favorite wardrobe pieces. It’s easy to breathe new life into classic wardrobe basics if they have been maintained through proper laundry care. - Shop your (or your boy-friend’s) closet. Chances are, you probably already have key pieces to build on to re-create spring’s biggest trends. One must-have silhouette for spring is the relax-fit pant — AKA the boyfriend jean. - Be bold with color. Bold, neon colors are back in a big way. To update your look, try punching up a neutral outfit with a touch of bold color. No need to go neon head-to-toe to translate this hot look. - Make a statement with accessories. Big necklaces can streamline a silhouette and quickly update a dull outfit. |
