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Observations in Fashion

The Best Ways To Launder Your Clothing During The Coronavirus Threat

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There is still so much that is unknown about the coronavirus. But what is evident is that we all need to take extra precautions. Washing our hands well and social distancing are paramount in staying clear from this virus. However, there is still so much that is uncertain. One question that has been circulating concerns how easily the virus is transmitted by touching surfaces and then touching our faces.

According to the CDC, “It may be possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes, but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads.” Keep in mind that the CDC also states that the coronavirus is usually transmitted through respiratory droplets rather than through objects. Unfortunately, since the facts regarding the coronavirus are still unfolding it is best to err on the side of caution. 

Another study from the National Institutes of Health states that the virus is detectable for up to 4 hours on copper surfaces, 24 hours on cardboard, and up to 2 to 3 days on plastic and stainless steel in which case remember to wash down all surfaces like someone just dumped a load of habanero sauce on them. As for deliveries in cardboard boxes, it is recommended that you leave boxes outside for 24 hours before you open them. 

But what about clothing?  Viral droplets that land on your clothes might still be active until they dry out. Nylons, polyesters and other synthetics do not allow the droplets to dry out as fast as natural fibers. This means all of your activewear needs special attention. 

It is recommended that you wash your clothing in hot water, and place them in a hot dryer in order to kill the virus. You will certainly kill the virus but you will also destroy your workout wear. The problem is not so much the poly fibers, it is the lycra or spandex that is ruined when exposed to heat. And it is the lycra or spandex that holds your leggings together. 

If you are concerned about the possibility of catching the virus from your clothing, by all means crank up the water temperature in the wash cycle and press the “fry” button on the dryer. But there is another way. Instead, wash your clothing in a warm setting and tumble dry for a few minutes. Your clothing will still be damp when you remove it. From here simply air dry, and don’t wear them for a couple of days.

You can follow these steps with your regular clothing like t-shirts and cotton trousers as well unless they are made for more delicate treatment. For hand washable pieces, follow the care instructions and then allow these more precious pieces 3 days to rest before you wear them again. 

Eat well, laugh a lot, and be safe! 

What To Wear When Working From Home

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It looks as though more of us will be working from home for some unknown amount of time. And as much as working from home sounds sexy it can have its drawbacks. For some, working from home can be less productive if you are used to engaging with people one-on-one. Another issue is (and maybe this is just me) there are simply too many distractions.

But here is the bigger problem (again, it could be just me)—never changing out of either your workout clothes or sleeping attire. The problem of not changing clothes that signal either sweating or sleeping is that you can easily forget the importance of getting dressed for anything else. Changing from sleepwear into something more pulled together is as important as brushing your teeth and washing your face. And remaining in your pjs all day long doesn’t inspire  anything but napping. I think about this as I study my own sleeping ensemble which is less boho chic and more hobo swag—not a good look.

As comfortable as wearing clothing 3X larger than you are can be, glancing at yourself in said outfit is depressing. Putting an outfit together which is nice looking and comfortable is easy especially with current trends that favor less fussy clothing which evokes effortless style. 

The concept of effortless style is the ability to wear pieces with ease and a touch of elegance.The simplicity of this type of ensemble allows the wearer too effortlessly pair it with more polished pieces and seamlessly step out to dinner with a friend.

Here are a few of my favorites.

Ballet Bodysuit by Everlane $50
Charmeuse Wide Leg Pant by Cuyana $195
Phoebe Slide by Birdies $120

Cashmere Rib V-Neck by Everlane Reg. $145 Sale $95
Sasha Trouser by People Tree $85
Fanny Flat by Anyi Lu (Yes, she’s back!) $395
Linen Dolman Sleeve Top by Cuyana $195
Ariel Wide Leg Jeans by People Tree $149
Leather Cadya Slipper by Vince $275

Eat well, laugh a lot, and be chic!

A Trip to Brownsville, Minimalist Packing, And The Coronavirus

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You might be thinking this is not the best time to get on a plane but sometimes the rewards of travel can outweigh the risks. At least that is how I surmised my decision to travel with Bay Area Border Relief to Brownsville, Texas. 

Packing for Brownsville was by far the easiest of all my trips. I didn’t need to consider what to wear  on a daily basis as the formula was the same every day—comfortable shoes, comfortable pants, tee shirt, hat, and a warm jacket. Besides the other necessities like sanitizer, toiletries, plastic bags, tissues, computer stuff, a change of underwear, and passport I was set.

There was something zen-like about wearing a uniform every day. I never considered what went with what or even how I looked in what I wore. The other advantage to traveling with a uniform in a medium-sized backpack was the ease with which I got onto my flight. My flights were tight and never did I worry that my bag would have to be checked—easy peasy!

I must confess however that I would sometimes change into my travel clothes at night. The pieces I wore on the plane were more my comfort level. I enjoy dressing up and considering how things look. And after a long day working between Brownsville, Texas and Matamoros, Mexico a shower, cropped black trousers, my favorite oversized sweater and scarf felt satisfying.

The coronavirus was a concern but in truth I was more concerned about other matters and how my trip into Matamoros would unfold. Since there was nothing I could do about what might become of me walking through the migrant camps, I focused on what would become of me and my community if I caught the coronavirus so I packed plenty of tissues and antibacterial gel.

Once I reached my seat for my flight, my first order of business was to grab some tissues and antibacterial gel. I began to wipe down my tray, armrest, and anything else that I felt my hands might come into contact with. The gentlemen next to me stared at me while raising an eyebrow. I glanced back and said, “ I am doing this for you and me”.

I arrived in Brownsville during the Charro Days Fiesta where the city pulls out all the stops to celebrate the charros otherwise known as the dapper Mexican cowboys. As I stood watching one of many lavish parades, my companion mentioned that the fiesta was a celebration of these dashing cowboys. Just then a local leaned into our conversation and explained that the parade was really a celebration of the friendship between Brownsville and Matamoros.

Vibrant costumes filled the streets as the sound of Latin beats inspired hips to sway. Oh, how I wanted to change into one of those elaborate skirts! The party continued for days and was a dark contrast to the ten-minute walk across the border.

There is so much more to say about my trip having nothing to do with packing or the coronavirus. But I am not quite comfortable enough to express my thoughts regarding what I saw, what I did, and the people I met. I ask myself if I could put into words the heartache and desperation I witnessed. Or perhaps I can’t tell you more as my blog was never meant to be political. I can tell you this. There are truly good people in the world doing good things for others who need to feel there is hope.

Eat well, laugh a lot and don’t forget to pack antibacterial gel when you travel!