Q: Last fall, when I was unpacking all my good sweaters, I noticed that some of my knits had been eaten by moths! I don’t want to use mothballs because they are toxic and smell awful. I know that cedar can also protect my wool sweaters from damage but I am also not a fan of that smell either. Do you have any other suggestions about how I can save my sweaters from future moth damage when storing them away?

A: If you like the smell of lavender, try using it when packing your wool sweaters away next season. Lavender is an excellent moth repellent, is non-toxic and smells a heck of a lot better than mothballs. Also, if you want to try to save your moth-eaten sweaters, try taking them to a reweaver to have the holes mended. A place I recommend in New York, and does great work, is Alice Zotta. If you are not in the New York City area, I am sure you can contact them about shipping your pieces to them for repair. Alice Zotta, 212.840.7657.

Style expert Bridgette Raes is the author of “Style Rx: Dressing the Body You Have to Create the Body You Want.” Raes, a former fashion designer, is the founder and president of Bridgette Raes Style Group, a Manhattan-based image and style consulting company for women. In addition to her work on SmartNow.com, Bridgette writes for Budget Savvy Magazine and Brideboard.com. She is featured in a number of newspapers and magazines such as Woman's World and The Boston Globe, and appeared on CNN, and “Good Morning America.” Send your questions to Bridgette@smartnow.com.