Baltimore can relax now. Massage therapist Theresa Mueller has opened a new aromatherapy shop and massage studio at 935 S. Charles St. in Federal Hill.
Besides the custom blending bar, everything in Life Smells Good is related to the "essential oils" of aromatherapy in one way or the other -- like soaps, candles, aromatherapy pillows, and diffusers. Customers can create their own scent for potpourri. No synthetic fragrances are used in any of the products.
Mueller will hold aromatherapy classes starting in January; facials will be offered in the next month or so. Most relaxing of all are the aromatherapy massages and hot stone therapies, which run from $80 to $140.
Life Smells Good is open Saturday and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. and by appointment. Call 410-234-0333 for extended holiday hours.
Fine-fashion tips
Steve Boorstein's mantra is simple. Buy better quality clothes. Then buy his new book to make the investment pay off.
In the long run, explains the Glen Echo resident, you'll end up saving money with his professional tips on taking care of your wardrobe.
Boorstein, who calls himself the Clothing Doctor, is the author of The Ultimate Guide to Shopping & Caring for Clothing (Boutique Books, $19.95). A few of his suggestions:
* If you're shopping for fine clothing, the salesperson can order extra buttons for you at the time of purchase.
* Always apply deodorants, perfumes and hairspray before you dress.
* If you stain a silk garment, it must be dry-cleaned within 48 hours.
* Keep designer jeans in tiptop shape by dry-cleaning them.
* Have a tailor "restyle" a dated leather or suede coat. Lapels can be narrowed, collars cut down and a trench coat converted to a hip or waist-length jacket.
* Invest in what's known as a "gravity-fed" steam iron that can't scorch fabrics or leak water tainted with impurities. They're expensive but worth the cost.
Frida gains a following
Now that Salma Hayek and Miramax Films have made Frida Kahlo a household name, the Mexican painter's new popularity has had one unexpected result. The Mount Washington boutique Something Else is doing a brisk business in jewelry, handbags and T-shirts bearing her image.
"I always liked her," says owner Elsie Ferguson. "Now she's someone people know about."
Something Else, which specializes in clothing, accessories and folk art, has necklaces ($30), earrings ($18) and pendants ($12-$30) made of bottle caps with the artist's picture on them. Handbags and shopping bags ($10-$18) are decorated with her and her paintings. There are even leather bags (priced from $58 to $88). T-shirts sporting Frida Kahlo paintings are $20, and silk scarves are $90.
The shop, at 1611 Sulgrave Ave., is open Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday noon to 5 p.m. Thursday hours are extended to 8 p.m. until Christmas.
Showing their stripes, wrapped in warmth
Nothing is hotter this winter -- or warmer -- than a great striped scarf. And nobody does sassy stripes better than the Gap. Check out the extra-long scarves for men, women and kids ($19.50-$39.50) in bold colors and warm wool. The one-size-fits-all makes them a great gift for just about everybody.
They can be found in local Gap stores or online at gap.com.