When a painter and a chef try their hands at soapmaking, is it any wonder that the results are beautiful both to see and smell? If you’d approached Emily Hunt’s table at the Nelson Farmer’s Market this summer, you’d probably have been attracted by the striking greens and yellows of her wares and seduced by […]

Kimberly Blick wears a Velvet silver sequined dress  from Spring Street ($462), black patent-leather ankle boots from T.J. Maxx ($39.99), and vintage rhinestone earrings from Glad Rags ($14). Allison Hoover wears a vintage Weiss rhinestone pin from Glad Rags ($36) at the back, Lorren Bell rhinestone earrings from Pearl ($98), Dani Black violet satin strappy […]

When is exercise actually unhealthy? A new book by onetime Charlottesville resident Peach Friedman provides one answer: Exercise is unhealthy when it strips enough weight from a young woman’s frame to alarm her family and friends. Diary of an Exercise Addict is Friedman’s memoir about the period when, as a 21-year-old, she slashed her caloric […]

Ladies, how many times have you purchased condoms? Research argues that you probably never have. Plannet Parenthood Vice President David Nova says that studies conducted through his organization show that most women are embarrassed to buy condoms, and that it’s generally more culturally accepted for men to be the condom-carriers. But research also shows that […]

Charlottesville was recently rated among the top eight best running towns by Trail Runner magazine, so it’s no surprise that local runners are already getting revved up for the upcoming marathon this spring. Co-owner of Charlottesville Running Company (and recent national champion of the USATF 50-mile race), Francesca Conte, dished her tips for all types […]

Goodbye, dog days—hello, chill: wintertime means a slew of new nutritional challenges, with darker days, falling temperatures, and the departure of summer produce. Still, no need to pine for your zucchini. Here are four winter picks to get your immune system kicking!—Lucy Zhou Sprouts until spring: Eat right to keep your immune system happy this […]

It’s not easy being beautiful. Luckily, a make-up mecca has landed in our own Fashion Square Mall. Open less than two months, Sephora doesn’t boast much square footage, but what it lacks in size it makes up for in merchandise: perfume-lined walls and display upon display of concealers and foundations. It’s not Times Square, but […]

Massage therapy should make you feel better, not worse. And most of the time that’s the case. Sure, you may feel sore afterwards—because working the muscles releases toxins into your bloodstream—but “you should never be in pain during or after a massage,” says Samantha Burton of Cityspa.   Soreness is one thing, but real pain […]

Job search got you quaking in your pumps and pencil skirt? We’ve all had that “showing up nude to the interview” nightmare, but to bump up your confidence and your look, consider an image consultant. After 15 years in the skincare and cosmetic business and experience as a recruiter, Bonnie Rogers (326-1115) is one such […]

So you already know that bamboo is one of the most sustainable resources on the planet. But you might be surprised to learn that panda food is making inroads in your closet. Bamboo fabric, a soft, rayon-like material made from the pulp of bamboo grass, is cropping up in clothing stores around Charlottesville. Stephanie Finn, […]