Fashion Faux Pas: Static Cling

Don’t get caught with unsightly static cling this winter. Not to get all Albert Einstein on you, but here’s a brief but simple background as to why it happens: when two different materials come in contact with one another, an exchange of electrons leaves one item more positively charged and the other more negative. Since unlike charges attract, the two materials stick to one another, known as static cling.

So what can you do? Here are a couple of suggestions:

• Spray your clothes with Static Guard
• Take a metal clothes hanger and run it along the inside of your clothing–it helps “de-charge” the particles
• Rub the inside of your clothing with dryer sheets
• Add a fabric softener to your wash either in liquid form (Downy) or dryer sheets (Bounce)–or if you want to try a more earth-friendly fabric softener, check out Seventh Generation Natural Fabric Softener
• Add 1/4 cup of vinegar to your laundry wash cycle
• Add 1/4 cup of borax to your laundry wash cycle

 

What’s your tip for eliminating static cling?

[Katie Holmes, Thumb, tips]

Cvillestyle poll: Hot or not?

I recently visited my fun and fashionable best friend in the equally fun and fantastic town of Nashville, TN.  While the city received a big (cowboy) hats off for a great time, I was somewhat perplexed with a few of the fashion choices displayed by our southern comrades.  Most perplexing was this:  

The fingerless glove.  A.k.a. Hobo gloves.  They are apparently all the rage.  They caught my eye because just about everyone I saw was wearing them, and I got the distinct pleasure of the wool/cashmere/skin combo whilst being introduced to some of the natives.  I can’t decide if it’s a no-no like this or if I really like it.  What do you think?

The boring practical person within says:  If it’s cold enough to wear gloves, why leave your finger tips unprotected?  They suffer the most from potential frost bite and compromised blood flow.  A designer using common sense would design phalange covers, and leave the palms to battle unprotected against the elements.

The impractical, impulse-buying, non-tights-wearing-in-30-degree-weather-just-to-look-good-in-my-hot-new-dress person within says:  Totally rad!  Here are some more styles.  

Marc Jacobs, Karl Lagerfeld, and other fierce designers have also jumped on the bandwagon.  So have a lot of stitch-and-bitch fans.  

What say you, cvillestyle readers?  Yea or nay?  And why? 

Giving Thanks

It’s an exciting time to be living in, if not a little bit stressful. Buzz phrases like ”financial meltdown” and “big three automakers” and “bailout” abound. But so does ”President-elect Obama.” Thanksgiving is a time to reflect (that is, when you’re not trying to get away from your family).

What are you thankful for this holiday?

[turkey]

The Grass is Always Greener

Tennis whites, while maybe a thing of the past, will always evoke a certain kind of style, as will grass tennis courts. It’s that country club connotation, as in, “I’m going to the club to frolick with Dabney and Percy.” (Don’t act like you don’t know what I’m talking about.)

But Wood N Racket Farm (get it?) goes against all of that. Three parts athletic club, two parts social, the Farm is a racquet sports club boasting the only grass tennis courts in all of Virginia. And it’s just 30 miles from Charlottesville, toward Richmond. If you’re an avid tennis player and you’ve never had the pleasure to play on grass, here’s your opportunity. But remember to bring your sense of humor (that, or your A-game) because let’s just say the ball doesn’t always bounce the way you’re used to. There’s always the har-tru courts if you get seriously frustrated. Plus, in the winter, when the grass is “dormant,” the courts are turned into a croquet field.

Located on 40 acres that include nature trails and a beautiful lake, the scenery alone is worth the trip. Wood N Racket Farm also has one of only two doubles squash courts in Virginia (the second is our own local Boar’s Head). Are you thinking this is all too athetic for you? How about a game of badminton? Remember 7th grade gym glass? Well, forget it! I played recently at the Farm and couldn’t believe how great a workout it was, but the best part is that anyone can pick it up. So, hang out on the porch, fire up the barbecue, or play a few games of ping pong, but you’re sure to have a good time at the Farm!

There are a variety of membership plans (and “try-it-out” incentives) available that will accommodate your needs. (Already a member at Farmington, Glenmore, ACAC? Plan a fun group outing for your team.) Mostly, owner Tommy Richards just wants to get folks interested in racquet sports again. He’s a great coach with an even better attitude. His one rule? “Leave your ego at the door.” (Think more Chris Evert and less John McEnroe.)

 

This ain’t your grandaddy’s country club!

 [tennis whites, thumb]

Sweet Dreams

Visions of sugar plums will soon dance in many a head this holiday, so why not help summon that sweet sleep with the gift of a homemade lavender pillow? As everyone will be feeling the economic squeeze this season, not only will this be easier on your wallet, it might also help the recipient to relax! 

Here’s what you’ll need (in addition to your sewing machine):

Dried Lavender (the 1 lb. bag shown in this link is more than enough!)

Uncooked Rice (any kind) or Flax Seed (adds texture and weight)

Fabric (silk or silk taffeta works nicely; you can use the same pattern for both sides, or two different ones; local sources: Les Fabriques, Fabrics Unlimited, The Second Yard, Calico Corners)

Instructions:

Cut out two pieces of fabric to the same size (mine was 3 x 9) and sew right sides together one quarter inch from the edge, leaving a 2-3 inch opening on one side. Clip the excess fabric in the corners diagonally to allow for a more crisp edge. Flip the fabric right side out and press. Make a small cone out of paper to funnel in the equal parts lavender and rice (or flax). Sew the opening shut by hand and voila.

 The finished product:

 

Note: You could make a smaller square pillow for a lingerie drawer sachet!

[source: flickr]

Next Page »