Image Grenade

I remember walking through midtown early in the morning dodging the men running with their racks of clothing, shuttling between the manufactures and warehouses where they were  carefully packed and shipped to department stores across the country. In those days, you could also find a plethora of notion stores with an endless selection of trims, buttons and rickrack and piping. Now, nearly all of that, is gone.With the outsourcing of everything in America, I suppose it shouldn’t come as a surprise that since 1965 we’ve gone from 95% of all clothing sold in America being made right here in the US of A, to a mere 5% in 2009; but I was.Schmatta: Rags to Riches to Rags, explores how the trade started on the backs of immigrants, grew, improved and peaked, before greed and the desire for disposable clothing decimated this once thriving employer of some 70,000 New Yorkers.Marc Levin’s film is a touching tribute to all of those who worked during the rag trade’s heyday chronicling it’s rise and fall through personal memories of seamstresses, cutters, designers and union leaders who have witnessed an industry that has morphed from one built by skilled tradesmen who took pride in their work,  to one being destroyed by business men who, in their efforts to keep costs down and profit margins up, export pieces to capitalize on a cheap labor force. Ironically the sweat shop conditions, which US unions fought to change in the last century, are now being replicated in other countries, including the fiery deaths of young girls locked in sewing rooms and unable to take a break until the order is complete.Schmatta is like a Lemonhead; sweet with memories of days gone by before  dissolving and leaving a sour taste in your mouth. I wish I could say this compelling story was a cautionary tale, but I’m afraid for New York’s garment industry, the lesson comes too late.Schmatta: Rags to Riches to Rags is showing now through November 24th on HBO and on HBO OnDemand. 

While there are daily scares regarding the transmission of the H1N1virus, let’s not forget how awful and often dibilitating the standard bout of cold or flu can be. While you’re debating the pros and cons of getting immunized, some of the best things you can do to prevent picking up a nasty bug this season, don’t cost a thing.

Don’t touch

During cold season, you’d be best to keep your hands well away from your face. In a study at UC Berkley, when monitored over a three hour period, students had hand to face contact on average of 47 times. Every scratch, eye rub or cheek sweep brings whatever germs are crawling all over you hands in direct contact to sensitive mucus membranes and can rapidly introduce them into your system.

Lucky Seven

According to a Canadian study, washing your hands an average of seven times per day, will help prevent colds. Hands should be washed on both sides and between fingers with soap and water, rinsing for twenty seconds, before thoroughly drying them.

Elbow not hands

Finally, if you’re about to sneeze or cough, don’t spray your germs all over. If you can, cover your nose and mouth with a tissue, but if you’re caught suddenly, it’s better to sneeze or cough into the crook of your arm, not in your bare hands.

Finally, in the debate over which is better, hand sanitizers or soap, both are effective against killing viruses and bacteria.

The key is frequent hand cleaning as the University of Melbourne’s study found flu viruses can survive on unwashed hands for an hour while either hand washing or sanitizing killed virtually all traces of the virus.

She’s highly glamorous with pale skin, titian hair and hazel eyes, and with a voice reminiscent of Amy Winehouse, but without the addictions.  She’s been a burlesque dancer, performer of alternative theatre, and a magician’s assistant. Her debut album, “Do You Want the Truth, Or Something Beautiful?” has been hailed as a triumph.  Jealous? Well wait for it. No nepotism got her where she is, which is currently at No. 16 of the UK pop album charts, (having climbed from last weeks position of No. 27), she’s appeared on television in “Mayo” and “Holby Blue”, in the movie “St. Trinians”, she has a cameo as the date of Tom Waits’, Devil in the soon to be released “The Imaginarium of Dr. Parnassus.”  By now, that green eyed monster should have consumed you as you sit thinking “Ew does she fink she is?” And then you read or see an interview with her and you realize that this lovely, ebullient pixie, is so down to earth and funny, you quickly want to be her new BF.  The combo has paid off and suddenly Paloma is everywhere. She was on Jools Holland and Jonathan Ross (to be aired tonight, Friday October 23^rd on BBC America) as well as in the London Evening Standard, complete with a photo shoot. She Tweets (follow her at @Palomafaith), she has a multimedia site including her video diaries and music videos for her singles “New York” and “Stone Cold Sober” are available on You Tube. She defies pigeonholing with an album that romps through torch songs and dance tunes with equal elan, and while she says she’s been influenced by 40s singers Billie and Ella, she would love to work with Outkast’s André 3000. In an industry that seems to prefer their talent more formulaic  it will be interesting to see  how management tries to market her. I say try, because it’s Ms. Faith’s unique and quirky demeanor, and a lot of hard graft, that have brought her this far. And despite her recent video diary, in which she claims, having become a star, that she’s decided not to use her legs anymore  and opted to have her tour’s opening act, shuttle her around the streets of London in an office chair, I think that’ll be the only pushing about she’s willing to endure. Paloma Faith’s debut album is available on both www.amazon.com as an import or at www.amazon.co.uk and www.hmv.co.uk

 Some foods are beneficial to your health if enjoyed in moderation. Peanut butter can help satisfy a sweet tooth, provide a great source of protein and ad deliver that much needed feeling of comfort that can’t be matched by a polystyrene textured rice cake.  With peanut butter, portion control is the key. One of my power walking buddies, Rosemary, recently confessed she had every intention of eating, “just a little bit of peanut butter”, but with spoon in hand, the situation rapidly deteriorated, and she consumed half an  jar in nothing flat. That 9 ounce nutty binge calculates somewhere around 1,560 calories; a whole days worth of calories. So how do you enjoy the health benefits without going over board? The answer for me is Jif to Go™. These mini cups of Jif™ or Jif Reduced-Fat™ peanut butter can be stashed in a desk drawer at work or in a bag so you can travel with them, or simply eat them at home so you can monitor just how much of the stuff you spread on your bread, your crackers or your tongue. Since each 2.25 oz cup totals 390 calories, I know I can have exactly half of that premeasured cup smeared on apple slices, for a snack that will keep me filled in the hours between my next meal or provide slow releasing energy I need before an hour of power walking. And even if you do end up eating the whole pack, 390 calories can be walked off a lot faster than half a jar. Rosemary, I hope you’re listening. Jif to Go 6 2.25 oz cups about $3.29. Available in US at supermarkets nationwide.

Because I suffer from year round allergies, there are times when, not to be too graphic,  sinus drainage makes me a bit bilious. When that happens, I don’t reach for an over the counter remedy I much on a few Ginger Chews  by the Ginger People. These soft chewy ginger candies have taken up permanent residence in my purse and while I chew them to quell a dodgy tummy, others have told me they’ve helped them with motion sickness and even the nausea often experienced after chemotherapy.  You can enjoy two pieces for only 40, fat free calories and if you’re not looking for something chewy, pop a few in a mug of hot water and watch them dissolve into a lovely ginger drink.

The chews are about $2.39 per bag (about 12 pieces) are available in Original for the ginger purist, and flavors like Spicy Apple, Peanut Ginger and Hot Coffee Ginger. You can find them at Whole Foods and other gourmet and health-food retailers or order online at www.gingerpeople.com, which also sells a full line of ginger infused biscuits, candies, drinks, cooking sauces and pantry essentials.

To paraphrase Princess Diana, there are three people in my marital bed; me, the husband and the cat. I usually end up wedged between them. But according to research in the journal Psychology of Aesthetics, this kind of cuddling may just be the thing to keep me healthy.

It’s believed that spooning or cuddling with your mate stimulates the same endorphins released by a relaxing massage. It’s further thought that just ten minutes of cuddling a day may help boost the immune system and may relieve the pain of many conditions including, PMS, migraines, backache and ME, so even if you sleep on your back or wrapped up like a mummy, make sure to grab a few minutes of close contact before you leave your bed.

We’ve all done it. Worn that pair of “fuck me” pumps that we purchased because they make our legs look longer, our butt perkier or scream power bitch. Unfortunately after a number of hours, the only thing screaming are your feet. You’d kill for a pair of comfortable shoes, but it’s not like you could have fit an extra pair of shoes in that evening bag, now could you?

Until now.  Feet Fairies is an ingenious pair of comfortable, light weight stretchy shoes, that fit into a small pouch and once removed, the pouch expands to provide an instant carry bag for those killer heels that were nearly responsible for the early demise of your tootsies. The shoes are created of sustainable materials, are affordable starting at £9.99 (as of 10/14/09 $15.78 USD) and easily ordered and shipped worldwide through their site, www.feetfairies.com

 I’m not a big fan of my knees, so usually I wear skirts so long, they’d make an Amish girl look tarty. But one thing I took away from London Fashion week was that legwear can make any outfit; specifically the opaque tight. Tights weren’t just making a splash on the catwalks, but all over London. I saw loads of women of differing heights, shapes and weights wearing, in some cases criminally short skirts, who’s naughty lengths were ameliorated by the wearing of opaque tights. In order to make them work you should really coordinate the colors of your tights with your outfit. Currently I’m rocking an above the knee, purple and cobalt kilt I nabbed in Scotland with a pair of black tights, but it would look just as good with a pair of navy or purple tights. The 3 keys to wearing the tights are fit, style and color. 

Fit is essential, so make sure if you do have heavy thighs and bum, you spend the extra bucks for a properly sized pair. If you’re on the border between sizes, it’s always better to take the larger size so there will be less wear and tear on the fibers and the pair will last longer. That’s essential as some patterns and colors can range from $12 a pair to as much as $45. For the pricier ones, I may sure my nails are smooth, and rings removed before carefully rolling them down, inserting my toes in each side and then carefully rolling them up while removing the slack gently.

 Style is also important. If you go for a print, especially wild ones, make sure that your tights are the most daring part of your ensemble. For example, I have a great pair of hot pink psychedelic tights with swirls of purple, acid green and orange. While pairing them with a black outfit is perfect, so is matching them with a solid skirt of any of the colors contained in the swirl. It’s probably best not to try and mix the colors in the swirls with, say, a floral print skirt. You could do it, but you’d need a good eye to assure the colors “go” with each other even if they don’t “match”; but often less is more, and if you saw these tights you’d know truer words were never written. 

If you have heavier legs, like yours truly, darker colors are imperative. Pastels, like pink, will conjure up memories of the dance scene in Fantasia where thick limbed ostriches and hippos perform ballet. Unless that’s the look you’re going for, leave the pastels to wee lasses under the age of ten.Childhood innocence, prior to the onset of hips and boobs,  provides them with something you’ve lost by now, the ability to look positively adorable in EVERYTHING.

Should you prefer a textured tight, the condition of your legs must also be considered. While my legs are large, courtesy of thrice weekly kettle bell workouts, my legs are firm. If however your legs are a bit wobbly, then the new trend of shredded tights should be avoided, as should fish nets with large openings.

While they do feel sexy and lend a touch of rebellious burlesque sizzle, if your legs are soft and doughy, each opening becomes a portal through which your wobbly bits will attempt to escape. Think of a pair of naked ample buttocks, pressed against a chain link fence and you get the picture.

If you simply must have a pair of fishnets, then make sure to place a brighter pair of tights beneath. The additional pair of tights act as under pinning to prevent the ooze of flesh and the color beneath makes the fishnet infinitely more interesting. If you are going to explore the knitted, crocheted, open weave or shredded, then make sure openings are small, knits are flat, not cable knit, and any seams or patterns  are vertical to lengthen the leg and not horizontal. Horizontal stripes should be avoided by all but the slimmest of leg, or witches planning to have a house land on them when a certain ruby slippered lass from Kansas drops in. Armed with the above primer. the listing below provided fabulous sites for tight shopping. So remember be a bit dangerous and wear a skirt that’s well above the knee, just keep it opaque for modesty.

Foot Traffic www.foottraffic.com;

In the UK, The Sock Shoppe  www.sockshoppe.co.uk

Cellulite!

While you’re cringing in the bathroom trying to hide yours, the truth is many women have it. Remember the paparazzi snap of Princess Diana in her gym kit with that spot of cellulite sneaking out of the bottom of her shorts?

Yes, cellulite appears to be an equal opportunity plague that, like rain, falls on both the just and unjust. Cellulite is comprised of fat cells and a build up of toxins trapped under the skin. Despite international marketing efforts to convince you otherwise, there really isn’t a miracle cure .

Short of liposuction, you’re never going to rid your fat cells. Even dieting only shrinks them. The best you can do is watch your diet, follow a regular exercise regime and try to get your circulation moving so impurities under your skin can be flushed out.

Homeopaths have long recommended regular dry body brushing to encourage your body’s circulation. Followed daily, your skin will radiate a healthy glow and over time the appearance of cellulite can be substantially reduced.

While many dermatologist, homeopaths and alternative medicine practitioners, recommend body brushing each morning to help rev up circulation and wake you up, I’m far too busy in the morning between ablutions and moisturizing, I don’t have the time for another step. I’ve incorporated the skin brushing practice as part of my evening ritual before turning in.

All you need is a body brush, preferably with natural soft bristles, and then beginning at your feet brush up towards your heart. I also take a bit of extra time on my buttocks where the dimply skin has established residence. In those spots, I use a circulation motion, before continuing long strokes from mid thigh towards the heart. On your stomach, you should also use circular clock wise motions.

When practicing body brushing, use a light touch. Brushing too roughly could damage your skin, but even with dry skin, a good brushing can assist with cell turnover and skin renewal and even if your cellulite remains the same, your overall skin should quickly show signs of a healthy glow and anything that makes you look better, should increase your self esteem.

Body brushes are available via many outlet, but some of my favorites are listed below.

Boots: Boots Detox body brush £5.50 from larger Boots the chemist stores  in UK

Earth Therapeutics: Purest Palm Body Brush $9.99 and the Tampico Vegetable Fiber Brush $9.99 Available online at www.earththerapeutics.net