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Fabrics should breathe, not suffocate Let’s Be Real About Fabrics Here’s the deal: most of the pieces we bring in are cotton blends, rayon blends, or cozy acrylic sweaters. What you won’t find much of? Polyester. And that’s not an accident. When designers cut corners on budgets, the fabric is the first thing to go. And the cheapest fallback? Polyester. It’s the fast fashion favorite because it’s cheap and easy to produce—but it’s also the fabric equivalent of a bad date: stiff, clingy, and leaves you uncomfortable. Why We Stick to Cotton + Rayon Cotton and rayon are both plant-based fabrics  (yep, even though rayon gets a little lab makeover from wood pulp). They’re breathable, soft, and don’t contain the synthetic petrochemicals that make polyester, well… plastic. Your skin deserves better than plastic. Period. Polyester = You’re Basically Wearing a Water Bottle No joke. Polyester is made from PET (polyethylene terephthalate) —the same stuff in disposable water bottles. So every time you put on a polyester dress, you’re technically wearing plastic. Cute, right? Here’s why we keep polyester off the racks: Microplastic Nightmare:  It sheds tiny plastic bits with every wash that end up in oceans, soil, and even our food. Ew. Sweaty + Suffocating:  Polyester traps heat like a clingy ex. If you run warm or plan to hit a beach or desert? Forget it. Sweaty boobs, sticky skin, no thanks. Waste Factory:  Millions of pounds of polyester end up in landfills every year, sitting there like the guest that refuses to leave the party. When Polyester Can  Work Okay, we’re not total fabric snobs. Polyester has its place—like in jackets or coats , where its durability and water resistance actually help. But as an everyday fabric against your skin? Hard pass. The “In Case of Emergency” Disclaimer Sometimes, you have  to grab that polyester dress because it’s the only thing that works for an event, or the alternative is wildly out of budget. We get it. In that case, wear it, rock it, then give it a second life—like donating it to an animal shelter. Dogs love new smells, cats love cozy spots, and hey, at least it won’t rot in your closet. The Bottom Line At Alex’s Boutique, we believe fabrics should feel as good as they look. We lean toward cotton, rayon, and breathable blends for everyday wear, because they’re comfortable, skin-friendly, and kinder to the planet. That said, polyester does have its place — especially in coats, jackets, and outerwear designed to last season after season. The key is choosing it thoughtfully, not as a shortcut for fast fashion. Fabrics aren’t just about fashion — they’re about comfort, longevity, and impact. At Alex’s Boutique, we’ll always aim to source pieces that balance style with sustainability. Share in the comments what your favorite closet item is and why — we’d love to hear what makes you feel your best.

Don't just dress for the moment; take the time you deserve to select your clothes. While we value our friends' and family's input in finding the right style, it's important to also trust some key elements when finding the right size. I've encountered men and women alike who misjudge their size and purchase ill-fitting garments. There are several key indicators to look for that can tell you if an item fits properly, eliminating the guesswork. The most telling sign is the shoulder seams. The fit of your shoulder seams should reflect your desired look: Do you prefer a loose and casual feel? Or do you opt for a tailored and classic look? For a relaxed, casual style, the shoulder seam can slightly extend past your shoulders. For a tailored look, the seam should end precisely at the shoulder, before descending down the arm. The common excuse "I buy a larger size because it shrinks in the wash" is a topic for another discussion, which will be covered in a future blog post. For now, let's focus on selecting the correct size. Some women prefer shopping for more fitted items that offer a feminine touch, with tops ending at the top of the hip. However, not everyone enjoys this style all the time. Occasionally, it's beneficial to incorporate some classic essentials with a unisex fit, often found in the men's section, ensuring they're well-tailored rather than oversized. Let's dive into the world of jeans! The perfect pair should neither be stiff and uncomfortable nor too loose that they fall down. So, how do we find the right fit? Interestingly, jeans should feel slightly tight in the store because they'll expand after wearing, and they'll come back to the fit at the store after they're washed. Jeans stretch over time and don't require frequent washing unless dirty. When trying on a good pair of jeans, you might need to inhale slightly to button them up. After wearing them for about two hours to break them in, they should feel like the best thing you've worn in a long time! Take a moment to admire how they complement your legs and rear—oh so nice! In the fitting room, the ultimate test is to sit in a chair with the jeans on. Check the comfort level while sitting and crossing your legs, then stand up again. If they're too tight when sitting, go up a size. If there's excess material in the crotch area or you can fit your hand between the jeans and your hip, they're too large. You shouldn't be able to slide your hand down the side of the jeans on the first try; this indicates they're too big and not flattering your figure. Give it a try the next time you shop. With us, you don't have to guess what size you are, as we search high and low for TRUE sizes, and take the guess work of what works and what doesn't.

Searching the net and looking for something super delicious and easy to make during these hot days I stumbled upon this recipe from pinch of yum. Before you start making this scrumptious dish, be sure to really get the flavor you want by preparing it the night before to really let those flavors merry together. If you really like the traditional adobo style you may leave out the honey, but you'll really regret not having that delicious honey glaze mentioned at the last step. The recipe does call for boneless chicken breast if you're looking for something on the healthier lighter side, but if you're like me who loves that juicy dark meat, I highly recommend some chicken thighs on the bone. Bone-in meat will release more collagen and make the meat even juicier. We know you'll love this recipe as it has over 875 reviews with a solid 4.6 rating. Just make some rice in time to start digging in! Try it out and leave a comment below! Images from pinch of yum