Fashionista [11-20]

Technologically Advanced 

By Cece Feinberg
Columnist

Imagine a fabric that is “just right.” No matter what you’re doing, no matter what is the season, you’re not too hot, nor too cold. Sounds a bit much to wish for? Not according to Smart Fabric, who claim that all-weather comfort is within your reach.

Originally developed for NASA to temper the temperature variations astronauts experience in space, Outlast® Smart Fabric™ technology absorbs, stores and releases latent heat energy. When imbedded in fabrics, imperceptible “Thermocules” dynamically keep track of your individual temperature and absorb or radiate heat as necessary, so you maintain a relatively constant body temperature. This allows you to remain in your personal comfort zone, whether you’re skiing hard and then riding a cold chair lift, or walking to work in the hot sun and then sitting in an air-conditioned office. “Outlast clothing is designed to maintain thermal homeostasis of our bodies. Often the moisture produced by the body is what causes overheating or catching a chill. Managing this perspiration is essential for comfort,” states a Smart Fabric press release.

When it comes time to rest, Outlast keeps working, because during sleep, the body naturally cools itself, decreasing its internal temperature as much as four degrees nightly. To complicate matters, couples often find their ideal sleeping temperatures are incompatible. Women often sleep colder than men, and pregnant, nursing and menopausal women tend to experience dramatic temperature changes, which means finding thermostatic harmony can be a nightmare. Outlast fabrics is available for footwear, fashions, gloves and even bedding. For buying information, visit www.outlast.com.

The Keyless Car

Imagine being able to open your car without keys or the push of a remote button. Instead, the car automatically unlocks when you walk up to it. The latest advances in automobiles are making this a reality.

Engineers have created individually programmed key fobs which contain sensors so that the car knows when its driver is approaching the car and when he or she is inside. Even if the fob remains inside your coat or purse, the sensors transmit the signal -- unlocking the door.

Once inside, all the driver has to do is hit the brake, press a button and he’s off and driving. That means you won’t have to fumble for keys outside in the cold or rain. It is also safer than the traditional key -- while there are a thousand different ways to cut a mechanical key, the fob system involves about four billion codes that are continuously changing. That means even if a thief intercepts your code, they won’t be able to enter because the vehicle has already changed codes since the last time you entered it.

If you’re sharing your car with others, the system is personalized for each driver. That means each individual driver’s personal settings -- from their steering wheel height, to the radio and even the climate control -- will change according to how the driver likes it.

Stainless Steel Soap

This is definitely not your ordinary soap. Made of solid stainless steel with a lustrous matte finish, this quirky little item belongs in every cook’s kitchen. Simply rub it between your hands under running water for 30 seconds, and it removes tough odors like garlic and onions as if by magic. Don’t ask how it works, it just does! Plus, when used properly, the no-soap soap won’t wear out, requires no maintenance and is probably the sleekest accessory your sink has ever seen. It comes complete with a black plastic soap dish. A fabulous gift for anyone who likes to cook! A mere $10 on www.wishingfish.com.  

As always, I would love to hear from all of you dedicated fashion fans. For questions, comments or story suggestions, please email me at fashionsunpost@aol.com.