Layers, Layers and More Layers

Talk about confusing..... Yesterday, the sky was gray, the rain was pouring down and the high for the day was 12 C (53F), while today, it is cool outside but in the sun it still feels like spring and the high is 23 C (73 F). There are days where inside your home you are shivering while outside you could be wearing a t-shirt. On other days you need a sweater or jacket just to walk around but as soon as you get into your car you begin to sweat and need to turn the AC on.

So what does one do? Do I wear a short sleeve t-shirt, a long sleeve t-shirt, a jacket or a sweater…. Ahhh, the daily dilemmas we face getting dressed in the “winter” when you live here in Israel....

But the answer is really quite simple: ALL OF THE ABOVE OR AT LEAST SOME SORT OF COMBINATION.

It all boils down to: layers, layers and more layers.

Depending on whether you always feel cold or warm, you can decide what types of layers work best for you.

Layering is simple and these basic tips should help you out. Start with a light layer and work your way up, for example:

1. A thin layer, a t-shirt, a shirt or blouse
2. A light-weight sweater - cardigans work best
3. A vest jacket, jacket or bulkier sweater
4. A light weight scarf
5. For colder days and evening add a coat or wrap

Remember that layers should be easy to put on and take off. That way, you are ready for whatever wind blows your way.

Man's Personal Touch

Inspired by the man with the 10 shekel cufflinks

The other night at a local bat mitzvah party I noticed how all the men were dressed exactly the same way… blue button down shirts. Sure, there were several shirts with a fine stripe or check but from my angle all I saw was a sea of blue paired with either khaki or navy pants.
Now I understand that for most men clothing is simple. Sure, you need different types of clothes for different occasions and most men do not “update” what they wear every season with the latest styles and trends. So naturally the choices are not very exciting. Frankly I am fine with that, as I like the simple, clean classic men’s look. So whether you shop at the Gap, Brooks Brothers or have your clothing custom-made, you can wear the same clothes, if they are well-cared for, for years and years.
Of course that means you will be wearing the same shirt and the same pants over and over and over again and will be left with very little room for personal expression - but that is the price you pay for not being a woman...
Many of you are fine with that and that is ok, but for those of you that want to add a personal touch here’s how:
BUY FRENCH CUFF SHIRTS AND A SELECTION OF CUFFLINKS.
Why cufflinks? Because they are not too out there like a tie would be. Cufflinks are small and subtle, can be serious or fun, and can quietly speak volumes about who you really are.

Questions and Answers

Thanks to all of you who have been following this blog and sharing your comments with me both on- and off-line. Below is a note I recently received from one reader, and I thought I would share it with the rest of the you:

Dear UOnlyBetter,

I have seen the new over-the-knee boot everywhere, but I wanted to know what is the best way to wear them?

thanks,

Patrice

Dear Patrice,

Over-the-knee boots are not easy to pull off and they are not for everyone or every age. If not worn properly they can look cheap and even very trashy. Here are several tips to help guide you and incorporate the over-knee-boot into your winter look :

1. Make sure that the boots are in sync with the proportion of your body and legs (leave the thigh-high ones in the magazines)
2. They look best when worn over leggings or skinny jeans
3. Make sure your top is loose and delicate, to keep your overall look feminine
4. If you want to wear over-the-knee boots with a skirt then make sure your skirt is short and full (not straight)
5. I prefer suede rather than leather
6. For during the day, stick to flats. Heels should be strictly for evenings
7. Keep your outfit simple - the boots are enough of a statement

If you are like many women that I know and you do not wear pants or short skirts then please skip this trend. The knee-length skirt with the over-the-knee boot is just so wrong!!!

Do You Really Need A Winter Coat

Has winter finally arrived? For many of you out there it probably has, but here in Raanana, Israel, winter - as we know it - never really comes. Yes, the weather changes and the sun is not as strong, the humidity is gone and the air is cooler. But it is not COLD. Sure, it is time to change over your closet, to take out your winter collection and replace the summer wear. But how much winter clothing do we really need? I wish we would need a lot but unfortunately we do not need all that much.

When you walk into a store filled with the latest winter styles, don't you just want to fill up your arms and buy, buy, buy? Well, I do. I love winter fabrics and designs, I love the warm, cozy feel and the deep, earth tones. And in the winter the most important item of clothing is a coat. You can throw on a coat over anything and look great.

Throwing on a coat would work if you lived in most of the northern hemisphere or even Jerusalem or in the north of the country… but here on the coast not far from Tel Aviv you will be lucky to wear your coat a handful of times. So what is a woman to do?

Frankly, if you already own a winter coat and it is in good condition, keep it and use it until you are through with it. If you do not own a winter coat and are looking to buy one (because you are going to travel somewhere cold) be smart:
-Buy a good quality classic coat, one that can be used to dress up or down.
-The coat should be medium weight that way you can use it here and also layer underneath for colder climates. -
- Leather is perfect, it is lightweight, can be worn in mild temperatures and both in rain and snow… very versatile and leather looks better the more you wear it.
So do you really need a winter coat? Probably not but if you are like me, you can't resist.

Singing in the Rain

I am sitting at home feeling all warm and cozy as I listen to the wind howling outside and the rain pouring down. In weather like this, many of you probably like to crawl under the covers with a good book or movie and a nice, hot cup of cocoa. I enjoy that too. But what I really enjoy is being outside, walking and splashing in the puddles. That is, as long as I am properly dressed for it: no one I know wants to get stuck in the rain while dressed for a meeting, a dinner party or a wedding. So if you are heading outside in the rain to stroll, run errands or even just carpool, make sure you have:
1. A pair of rain boots, good rubber boots. Today you can get simple old-fashioned ones or bright colorful ones
2. A rain jacket with a large hood. Just make sure it is WATERPROOF, as water resistant is not enough in a downpour
3. If you are not a hood person, then use a rain hat - only make sure that the hat has a large brim so the water can run off without getting your face wet


Once you are ready, throw on your gear, head outside and feel like a kid again.

I Actually like Crows Feet

For years I have been saying “I actually like crows feet.” I always felt that they added character and joy to a woman’s face. That is, until the other night.... There I was, getting ready for a bar mitzvah. I got dressed, did my hair and makeup, and then took a quick look in the mirror before doing a double take: for the first time, I saw a woman looking back at me. I quickly ran back into the bathroom, took out my cover up and dabbed a little more around my eyes. When that did not seem to do the trick I took several giant steps back, took another look, and then ran off.
I have always been told “you look so young”. But the other night, I realized I simply look like most of us who are almost 40 years old: aged!

Since the Joan Rivers look is not for me and I hope not for you, here is a basic “anti-aging” plan:

1. Continue to wear sunscreen, get facials, eat well and exercise
2. moisturize
3. Drink more water
4. Sleep more, maybe with a cucumber eye patch (cucumbers reduce puffiness)
5. Keep my make up simple: we have a tendency to pile on the cover up and make up to hide the various lines. Unfortunately the more you wear, the older you look.

Now don't get me wrong: I am not embarrassed or ashamed of my age and I am looking forward to growing older with my loving husband. But I would just like to do it without too many wrinkles and crinkles.

Still Wearing Summer Clothes?!?!

By now, as summer has given way to fall, most people in the northern hemisphere have already changed over their closets and started to wear tights, cozy sweaters, scarves and even gloves. But here in Israel the sun is still shining and the rain and cool weather seems very far away. And so, after more than 7 months of wearing summer clothes, boredom has begun to set in and I no longer want to look at my t-shirts and I certainly do not want to wear them anymore.

How many of you would just like to thrown on a pair of boots, a sweater or even a long-sleeve shirt? I know I do!

Aside from booking a flight to Europe, or turning on your AC and keeping the temperature at freezing, here are a few tips to keep your closet a little fresh and exciting:

1. Accessorize: Throw on a statement necklace, bracelets or a belt. The heavy heat and humidity has passed and you will be able to dress without sweat.
2. Update your look with a new fall/winter bag
3. Wear a darker lipstick
4. Choose your darker colored summer clothes and stay away from pastelles

I hope this helps while we wait for the clouds to finally make an appearance.....

REAR VIEW MIRROR

They say a picture is worth a thousand words, but this photo screams just one: DON'T! Athough it is not very sharp (I took it using my phone), it is clear that this woman did not check to see how she looked from behind.

You can tell that she put some thought and effort into what to wear but frankly that just makes the whole matter even worse. There is nothing redeeming in this get up - it is just one great big disaster.

We all have parts of our body that we try to disguise and it is important to know where they are, especially if you can not see them. Most homes do not come with a rear-view mirror option, but as you can plainly see, it would have been a worthwhile investment!

So when you put yourself together before an evening out, always remember to check and see not only how you look in the front but also in the back......

HOMEWORK and PAJAMAS

For many parents, the beginning of school is a happy time of year. Our children go off each morning and as parents we breathe a sigh of relief, knowing that the need to provide them with daily entertainment is over.
Not for me. I actually enjoy vacation and the chance to spend time with them. Sure, my boys are older now and don't need me to plan out each day and keep them busy all the time, so I truly enjoy the relaxing down time with them. During the summer, there is no morning rush, no making sandwiches and getting everyone out to the bus on time followed by running errands all day like a crazy person in order to get home to greet them with a smile when they walk in the door from school.

But as much as I might dread the daily sandwich-making, as I slab something on the bread with my eyes half open while trying to sip my coffee and wake myself up….. the most dreadful part of the day is actually still several hours away….. HOME WORK. Truth be told (and it is a good thing my boys do not read this blog) I hated homework as a child and now I hate it even more!!!! Really - I cannot bear the whole afterschool routine of "do you have homework? Did you do your homework? Sit down and finish your homework!"

So what do you wear while you are busy jumping from child to child trying to help them with their work?

As far as i am concerned, it needs to be something comfortable, relaxed and washable (for those nasty little pen marks).

My personal preference, and this may surporise you, is PAJAMAS; they are relaxed, comfortable and cozy. I put them on as soon as I get home. Perhaps not very fashionable but with todays selection of sleepwear you can easily run afternoon carpools in them too.

Dressing for School

Here in Israel September 1st is always the first day of school (unless, of course, the teachers decide to strike...).

I happen to have fond memories of the first day back at school as a child. I would wake up extra early (my mother would not even have to pull my covers off and drag me out of bed) and then pack up all my new school supplies and choose just the right new outfit to wear before going outside to wait impatiently for the school bus to show up just so I could see my friends.
What I was going to learn, my schedule and even who my teachers might be just never seemed to concern me - in fact, I do not remember giving it a moment’s thought.

Of course, most of that initial excitement came to a crashing halt on day 2 and by the time the week was over, and I had already worn everything new, I simply dreaded going to school. And then, naturally, the blanket wars with my mother soon began.

Nowadays, as a mother myself, I try to meet with my children’s teachers to explain to each of them the unique and wonderful traits that my kids have, in the hopes this will help them go through school with a little more joy.

But what do you wear when going to school to meet a teacher or principal?

If you send your children to a religious school and they have a dress code, then obviously you have to stick to the rules and wear a skirt, longer sleeves etc.

For your first meeting, I would suggest that you wear something that is put together but simple, confident but at the same time sweet: a basic skirt, with a simple shirt that has a ruffle or a bow, and shoes that are not very high (flats are best). Keep your makeup and hair simple. You want to make sweet but firm first impression.

You might very well be thinking: Well, what about the high powered, "I can get the earth shaking" look?

Save that for when you need to go in and yell.

Jewlery for your Feet

When the humidity outside reaches 90%, all you want to do is stay indoors enjoying the air conditioning and drinking some lemonade.
Indeed, in weather like this, the first thing I do when I walk through my door is take my shoes off. Though it is a habit that was instilled in me as a child, I still find myself removing my footwear simply to cool myself off and let my feet breathe a little.
During these hot summer months there is nothing like a good pair of flip flops. They are lightweight, allow your your feet to breathe and with the tremendous selection available it is easy to find what suits your needs.
Havianas is a Brazilian-made flip flop known for their comfort, durability and style. Long gone are the days were flip flops were only worn on the beach with a bathing suit. Today, with a flowered decoration, they can be the perfect accessory to a summer dress, for day or evening wear.

Contact LYNN at 052-444-6715 to purchase a pair of foot jewelry - I mean flip flops - and enjoy.

Here and There

While shopping with a client last week, on the search for some basic light weight summer dresses, she insisted we make a stop a a newly opened store to check out what they have.

Poh Ve Sham is located right next door to the Roladin bakery at 35 Maskit Street in Herzliya Pituach, tel.: 09-957-1712. The store owner is a graduate of Shenkar and also studied at FIT and really has a personal eye for fashion. The clothing and accessories range in price and are fun, fashionable and easy to wear. The selection of dresses is enormous. Whether you are looking for a dress that is short or long, with or without sleeves, casual or a little dressier, you are sure not to leave empty-handed.

With great sales in progress, it will really be worth your while.

Ask for Nissim and be sure to mention Individual Style sent you.

SUNSATIONAL

It is that time of year again, when a little notice comes in the mail to remind me that my car needs a checkup. So I book an appointment for early in the morning, in hopes that my car will be returned to me by noon. I jump out of bed at 6:50am throw on some clothing, hop into the car and get it to the garage. Fortunately, the garage is only a 10 minute walk from my home, so instead of taking a taxi back, I opt for walking home.

The time is now 7:15 am and I am strolling through the streets of Raanana and enjoying the relative quiet on the roads. I begin to rub my arms and feel a burning feeling. Wondering what it could be, I look down and see nothing - not a bee, mosquito nor any bug in site. It is hard to believe but it is true, the burning feeling I am having at 7:15 in the morning is coming directly from the sun. Yes, while many of you have not even begun your day, I am already being fried. The sun is so hot and strong that I feel no amount of SPF will block the shining rays.

So it made me wonder:
How should we dress to protect ourselves from the sun and yet not feel too hot?

- Wear loose-fitting clothes that will allow perspiration (a whole other topic) to evaporate freely- muumuu like
- Cover as much of your body as possible
- Colors: the light colors reflect heat away from the body and keep you cool, but darker colors protect you better from UV rays: find a balance
- Wear a hat, one that provides shade to your face (preferably with a 2-3 inch brim)
- Make sure your sunglasses have UV protection
- Always wear sun cream


Yes, you may need to compromise a little on fashion for the next few weeks, but do not worry. With many companies starting fashion friendly /sun smart lines of clothes, it won’t be long before you will be looking SUNsational.

Legs, Legs and More Legs

With all the uncertainty on Wall Street these days, here is one thing you can be sure is on its way up:HEMLINES. They seem to be getting shorter and shorter these days, don't they? Maybe this is because short skirts have less material and therefore cost less (we wish), or maybe the explanation is even more straightforward: Short skirts make us feel good, even happy, and they are a reminder of our youth, when life was simple and carefree.

Yet as many of us hover around the age of forty, we can not help but wonder: Are we too old to wear a mini-skirt? Should we steer away from those shorter hemlines because we don't want to look like we are trying too hard to look young?

Basically, it comes down to this: How old is too old to wear a mini-skirt?

The answer is simple:

Unless you are religiously observant, and refrain from wearing short skirts for reasons of modesty, then you are not too old to wear a mini-skirt, as long as you follow these basic rules: (click on the link)

www.helium.com/items/1119378-mini-skirts-age-women-mature-fashion-style -

If you do decide to reach for that higher hemline, just be sure not to forget to shave, wax or laser and then apply plenty of moisturizer. And then have fun showing off those legs.

Swim Wear That Flatters

It was a great beach day, so I took my boys out of school (they are not missing much anyway), packed up the car and drove to the coast in Herzliya. We carried our stuff and settled down on several lounge chairs underneath umbrellas (I try to stay out of the sun to avoid wrinkles, aging and skin cancer). The beach was perfect, the sky was clear, the sand was white and the water, aside from the many jellyfish, was simply delightful.

After a quick dip in the Mediterranean, I sat myself down to enjoy the view, but I could not help but be distracted by the many - and I mean many - women strutting about in the worst possible choices of swimwear. I am not talking so much about design as about fit and style. When you need to put Vaseline on your limbs to squeeze in to something, or when you are in a bikini and much of your body is flowing over, I find myself gazing at these strangers and thinking: “you have made the wrong choice.”

Then I am always left with a Shakespearean dilemma: to stare or not to stare. Clearly, I should not stare - it is rude, not nice and if the woman sees me staring it will only make her feel great, as she will assume that she looks good, so by staring I am just reinforcing bad behavior.

I am all for great body image and for women feeling good about themselves no matter what size they are. But we all need to be realistic and make choices that are flattering and appropriate.
For tips on how to choose a bathing suit that will flatter, check out www.shine.yahoo.com/event/the-thread/swimsuits-that-flatter-every-body-type-471364/

Underwear, a Private Matter

When my Russian-born grandmother once told me to always make sure to be wearing clean underwear, I assumed she was referring to the possibility of being involved in a potential accident or some other kind of terrible event which would require an emergency responder to see my undergarments.

But after an entirely different kind of incident the other day, all I can say is: wow! - my grandmother really saw the future, and it is a future where I can not help but ask myself: why?

There I was, sitting with a friend and enjoying a cup of coffee at a cafe, when I saw this:

Now, as its name implies, underwear is meant to be worn under. In case that isn't clear, allow me to explain it even more bluntly: the rest of us should not see it. Not in public and especially not while at a cafe sipping a latte.

Even though underwear is a private matter, I still do have a couple of opinions, for you men out there, about it:

1. If you prefer briefs, the tidy whites are the ONLY way to go
2. If you are a boxer kind of man, then go for it: crazy colors, patterns and designs are always fun

But whatever your preference, please do us all a favor and keep them undercover.

And for those handymen and plumbers among you, here is a simple, yet important tip: get yourself some work overalls - that is what they are for!

Mercaz Shuster, Ramat Aviv Gimmel

Most people, shoppers and eaters alike, have heard of the Ramat Aviv Mall, but only a few of you may be familiar with the nearby Shuster Shopping Center. It is located just north of the mall next to the local country club. It has been around forever and is well-known among Israelis, both for its wonderful boutiques and places to eat. Although the center is run-down a bit, it is nonetheless quite charming in a too much sun, humidity and seawater sort of way.

That said, here are several of my favorite shops at the Shuster Center:

1. Emanuel: although this is a chain, this location has the full collection
2. Tootsie: Fine leather goods
3. InStyle: Great T-shirts
4. Ada 2:
5. Fit In:
6. Liat: funky and edgy
7. Fanoman:
8. Emanuel:

Many of the stores shout "kitsch", but if you take your time you will find many great pieces, including T-shirts, dresses, tunics, bathing suits and exercise clothes.

While you are at it, you can also enjoy some of the Center's nice cafés, all of which have indoor and outdoor seating. In addition, there is a branch of my favorite pizzeria in Israel: Pizzafino (the other location is on Ben Yehuda street in Tel Aviv). And in the center of it all is a nice, large water fountain (though it could definitely use a good renovation).

So next time you are in the area, I suggest that you stop by the Shuster Shopping Center. While some of the stores may be pricey, it is always fun to look, even if you do not buy. And best of all, you can grab a slice, sit under an umbrella and gaze at the fountain, before returning to reality.

"Betty Blue. By Divina"

The next time you are heading to or from the beach in Herzliya, you may want to make a stop at Betty Blue, by Divina, 9-11 Hamenofim St., in the Herzliya Pituach Industrial Zone.

The boutique is located in the open-air mall across the street from the Max Brenner coffee shop. It store is charming and all the clothing, shoes and accessories are imported. Although the racks are not organized by category, because of the store's size a quick look through will not take you a lot of time.

I found perfect and light-weight tops and summer dresses. All the dresses were sleeveless but if you are someone who will not bare your arms either because of religion, age or simply that you are always cold, the store had a variety of extremely light weight cardigans perfect for shul, or for dinner in the AC.

So head out to the beach, before the jelly fish arrive!

Tell them Individual Style sent you!

Sunglasses

The sky is blue, the sun is bright and the weather is getting hotter by the minute.
It is time, if you have not already done so, to pull out your sunglasses and put them to good use.
Although I utilize my sunglasses all year long (and not because the papparazzi are after me, or at least not yet....), I wear them to protect my eyes and prevent me from squinting too much and developing unwanted early crows' feet.

The truth is that it is not easy to find sunglasses that suit your face. Over the years, I for one have been persuaded by many salespeople to make a quick purchase. After putting on dark lens frames (the darker the lens the better the protection from the sun) and looking in the mirror, I always think I look good. And then, just as I begin to second-guess myelf, I hear the salesperson (as if they know what I am thinking… ) say to me: “you look gorgeous” or “ no, they are not too big, that is the style now” or “trust me, they’re great”. After hearing so many compliments and truly beginning to feel like a rock star, I pull out my wallet and charge away. Unfortunately, it is not until I meet up with a real friend later on and she looks at me and begins to laugh that I know I have been once again taken for a ride, and that the only thing I truly gained from my purchase are a few more frequent flyer miles!

With sunglass trends changing so rapidly, and our habitual absent-mindedness often resulting in lost pairs, we frequently find ourselves at the counter facing the “do they suit me?” dilemma over and over again.

So here are a few helpful tips when you are buying sunglasses:

1. Be a smart shopper: Know what style frames work best for the shape of your face. Learn more at: http://www.ezinearticles.com/?How-to-Choose-the-Best-Sunglasses-Or-Glasses-to-Fit-the-Shape-of-Your-Face&id=2160090
2. Make sure that the frames sit well on your face. They should not be too tight, too heavy or slip down your nose
3. Choose the color that works with your hair and skin tones, not your clothes
4. Bring a friend, one that you know will be honest. Or, you can bring a camera and take a picture of yourself and then look at it - there is nothing more honest than that
5. If following the trend is important to you, and if even the modified versions are not looking right, THEN DON'T BUY IT!
6. When you find a pair of sunglasses that enhance your look, buy more than one. That way, if you misplace them, or they break, you will have a spare

Ultimately remember sunglasses were designed to protect our eyes from sun damage so whatever choices you make be sure not to compromise on UV protection.

Men, It Is All About the Details

I am going on the assumption that all of you men out there reading this blog already shower daily and wear deodorant that contains antiperspirant (after all, it is the antiperspirant that helps you not to sweat, and if you do not sweat then you will not smell - FYI: deodorant without it is useless).
But while we are on the subject, here are some basic hygiene rules that can really help you in many aspects of your life.

1. Your hair should always be neat, whether you wear your hair long or short it should be cut well and cleaned up around the nape of your neck and around your ears
2. Going bald? Face up to it, either cut your hair short or get it buzzed, but never, ever (and I cannot stress this enough) have a comb-over (known affectionately as a wave)
3. Nails on your fingers and toes should be cut short, clean and filed if necessary (it is really not fun to have a hang nail rubbing against your leg)
4. Shoes should be polished and shined
5. Fresh breath is a must: brush often, clean your tongue and carry a breath mint
6. Smelling good is always nice, dab on a little aftershave or cologne daily. You do not need to save it for a special occasion
7. If your skin is rough and dry please use a little moisturizer. Yes, even on your elbows
8. Although the trimmer on your electric shaver can do the job, a nose hair clipper is a worthwhile investment- it can also be used on those very unwanted hairs on your ears too.

WARNING: Do not become overly obsessed with yourself, as that can backfire.

But paying attention to the details will give the impression that you are a man who will do a job well, and that is something that everyone in your life will no doubt appreciate.

Just Belt It!!

Sometimes we look in our closet and see the same old, same old and think boring !! A good fashion tip is that your outfit can probably be updated with a belt.Even an outfit that you think doesn't need a belt, looks great with one. Try it, you'll see. Skinny patent leather, wide woven, low slung chain.. there are so many styles and so many different looks you can acheive with this inexpensive, fun accessory. Look through magazines or online to be inspired. Its a fun way to "change" the look of same old, same old. Don't be afraid to take chances. If you like the way it looks, wear it!!

Wearing the Same Thing Twice

“Don’t look at me, I wore this shirt the last time you saw me”, was a comment someone recently shouted at me. Interestingly, this comment was made by a man. Even though I do not ”really” judge people by what they wear, it did get me thinking: what is wrong with wearing the same thing over and over?

I have often wondered what people would think if one were to attend a weekend event and wear the same outfit to all the different parts. OK, perhaps this is an extreme example but truly wearing what you own over and over (as long as it is clean) is encouraged.
When was this stupid, silly and ridiculous rule established, that repeating an outfit is a no-no?. Truly I do not know and I do not care, but I do know that it needs to come to an abrupt end, NOW.
Yes, it is nice to have a variety and a selection in your closet, but each piece of clothing should be used and enjoyed to its fullest, worn over and over and over again.

Whether economic times are good or difficult, wearing the same shirt, skirt, pants or outfit is smart, sensible and definitely encouraged. So the next time you see me I expect to hear instead: “Look at me - I am wearing the same thing twice.”

Women, Who Do You Dress For?

At the recent Bat Mitzvah of a friend's daughter, I began talking to a couple about – what else? – fashion.
Before I knew it, the husband asked me – in front of his horrified wife! - to convince her to get rid of her leggings. Before I could say anything in response, she jumped in and said, “But the You Only Better blog said it is in style to wear leggings, so it is ok.” Realizing the sensitivity of the situation, I shrugged my shoulders and replied, ”I am not getting into the middle of this”.
Afterwards, however, the incident got me thinking: AS WOMEN, FOR WHOM DO WE DRESS?
Do you dress for yourself? Or perhaps you dress for your man, or simply for the sake of fashion? All of these are OK, of course. But however you choose to dress, keep in mind what I call "The Three W's": who, where and what. In other words, dress for who you are, where you live and what you do. Other people’s opinions should not matter. It is about you.
Nonetheless, if you are in a relationship, you do need to take into account your significant other and his likes and dislikes (at least somewhat….). So if, in your overall look, there is an item or two that your husband/boyfriend really does not like, there is nothing wrong with listening (occasionally…) and, as in the story above, leaving those leggings behind.

LILAMIST

Are you looking for a dress that is classic yet interesting, one that is simple yet different? Whether you are attending a simcha or making one, a store named LILAMIST will have something for you.

Located at 280 Dizengoff Street in Tel Aviv, LILAMIST (http://www.lilamist.com/) is a large (but not too large) boutique. With a newly renovated look, one that is modern, light and spacious, it just draws you in. All the clothes in the store are designed by Lilach Elgraby and can be tweaked to suit you best.
When I entered the store and looked around, a pale yellow (and I usually hate yellow) short sleeve dress caught my eye. Although the dress was gorgeous it was completely see-through, so I could not wear it. To my pleasant surprise, the extremely friendly and polite salesgirl noticed my hesitation and came right over and explained that they can make any type of slip to be worn underneath.
As I continued to look around, I walked to the back of the store and found a selection of beautiful long dresses. The fabrics and the designs were feminine, simple, interesting and classic.

Perfect for a special event.

Jelly Shoes and More at Story

The new craze is jelly shoes, for those of you yearning for a pair of plastic shoes you can find them here. Story at 246 Disengoff Street, Tel Aviv (corner of Bazel Street) 03-544-8911 carries a wide selection, from flip-flops, sandals, flats and heals and in a variety of bright happy colors. Your feet will not sweat, I was assured, because each shoe has a special sweat absorbing insert.
For those of you that feel jelly shoes are not your thing STORY has some fun and basic pieces. One of my favorite pieces, a red and white gingham cotton top, with a short sleeve and a sweet ruffled edge at the waist and sleeve, it was preppy meets western. I would wear it with a jean bottom and espadrills but if you must then throw on your jellies and go for it.

Overexposure

Over the last couple of years, wearing leggings has become fashionable, and extremely popular. I love the look, if worn correctly. Leggings need to be worn UNDER : a skirt, dress, tunic, or for those of you that are under 25 and can carry it, a mini skirt. Please, if you're not in the gym, or a ballerina, DO NOT wear leggings with a short top or any top that doesn't qualify as a skirt, dress, or tunic! It is not flattering on anyone and no one needs to see the outline of panties, a thong, or whatever else you may have going on under there! So when deciding to wear an outfit with leggings, please check that all is covered!

Dress socks and Sneakers?

To those men out there, and you know who you are, I thank you for the inspiration for this piece!
When we hear the word fashion, most of us think of "women’s fashion", and that is how it should be. Yes, of course, many of the great designers are men, but they design mainly for women. Men that try to look too fashionable usually look terrible. There are very few men out there can carry off the latest "men's designs".
So as a general rule:
Men should stay clear of trends and focus on keeping their look clean and classic.
Most men throw on a pair of pants and a shirt in a minute, and that is fine. But a little thought can go a long way, so here is a list of tips to help you out:

1. No skinny pants, and no tight shirts.

2. No open toe sandals with long pants.

3. Never ever (and this seems to be an exclusively Israeli look) EVER wear socks with sandals.

4. Speedo bathing suits? Are you an Olympic swimmer? NO, then stay far far away.

5. Dress socks should be pulled up high with long pants, as seeing your hairy legs when you sit is not appealing at all.

6. Dress socks=dress shoes, sport socks=sneakers,
dress socks+sneakers=NEVER

7. Bold stripe shirts are not to be worn with bold stripe pants, (even if you are cool).

8. Clean white undershirts (preferably a crew neck) should always be worn under any button-down shirt. And when you are not wearing a tie, only open one or two buttons, but never more - please, keep your chest hairs to yourself.

9. Take care of your shoes. They should always look newly clean, polished and shined.

You may be thinking that this simple and uncomplicated list will not change your life and really what difference does it make whether you wear the right socks with the right shoes, it will not bring about peace in the middle east or stop the latest spread of swine flu so why should you bother. All that is true and in the big picture, it may not make any difference...But keep this in mind, it will make that special lady in your life happy and that should be reason enough.

Dori Csengeri, A Great Find

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Keeping your personal look current on a budget is not always easy. As you roam the stores and search the Internet for the few pieces you will allow yourself this season it is not always simple to decide what to purchase.

Here is a useful tip to keep in mind when you are deciding to buy something new:

Make sure that the items you invest in (whether you spend a little or a lot) will have staying power. Staying power means it will last for more then one fashion season and can be worn through several weather seasons (Winter, Spring Summer and Fall).

In my opinion a great solution for this is; Jewelry, jewelry, jewelry!

Check out this fabulous shop I found.

Stop in at Dori Csengeri at 242 Dizengoff Street in Tel Aviv, 03-546-0831 or check them out on http://www.doricsengeri.com/ . You will find a small and charming costume jewelry store. The pieces in the store are hand embroidered on leather. They have small and simpler pieces and real statement ones that will turn a simple black dress or white shirt into a show stopping, WOW.

The prices rang depending on what you choose, (but are very reasonable). Whether you pick earrings, bracelets or a necklace (or all three) you will easily update your look, feel good, and look great, for years to come.

Shop at The Brunch

The other day I decided to break from my daily routine and went with a friend to Tel Aviv. We both enjoy strolling down the streets learning our way and discovering interesting and unknown, to us, stores, restaurants and galleries.

Half way through our stroll we decided to stop at a cafe we had heard about on Gordon Street, Cafe Maazarine (check out www.Israelforbeginners.blogspot.com/2008_09_01_archive.html, for details) turning the corner from Ben Yehuda Street onto Gordon we came across a great shop, "The Brunch" at 17 Gordon Street. The Brunch (next door to Maazarin) carries 3 designers; one from New York, one from Sweden and one from Denmark.

Although the picture,seen above, does not do this dress justice (I need to work on my photography skills) this cotton, light weight, summer dress is an example of what The Brunch has. The dress can be worn as a dress, a tunic over leggings or jeans and the little ruffle detail on the sleeve adds a little something to a basic shirt dress.

Trust me when I tell you this store will not disappoint. From great t-shirts made from soft cotton with unusual sleeves to skirts, pants and vests that can easily be dressed up or down for that put together casual summer look.

Happy Shopping,

Individual Style

Just Part With It!

For most of us it is difficult to part with items in our closet even though we do not wear them, fit into them or even like them anymore. But we bounce ideas around in our heads that make it even harder to part with all our unnecessary items. "I'll save it for my daughter", "it will come back in style, things always do", "it was expensive", or "what if I need it!" These are just some of the excuses we use to justify our guilt and not parting with our unused bags, boxes and hangers full of clothing.
Well, it is time to stop the mind games. It is time to grow up and do what needs to be done: sort, separate and give away.
In today's troubled times, it is especially important to consider parting with what you no longer really need, because with very little effort you can make a huge difference in another person's life.
So the next time your mind starts to play games with you - "to part or not to part?" - JUST PART!
Here are a few local (Raanna/Sharon area) options where you can easily part with your stuff:

Chasdai Michael :Contact Liat, 052-329-8848: Located in Raanana at the end of Katzin Street, they will take all your giveaway items (not just clothing). Anything that can not be used locally will be passed along to other gemachs in other parts of the country.


Simcha clothing: Contact Debbie, 054-345-5790: If you have dressy clothing suitable for a wedding, bar/bat mitzvah or any other special occasion your garments will be put to good use in helping to ease the cost of planning a simcha.


Mimi Kaisler: Contact Mimi, 052-365-4283:For those more expensive items Mimi will personally help you sell your designer wear and make you a little money.

Oh, and don't forget to mention that you were referred to them by Individual Style.

Bra Strap or No Bra Straps,That is the Question?

As the temperature begins to rise and our cold weather layers come off, bra straps can be seen everywhere.

Why?

That is what I asked myself all afternoon one day last week while I was enjoying an outing with my family.

With today's selection of bras on the market - racerback bras, strapless bras and convertible bras - there is no reason for those straps to be on display.

If you are wearing a bathing suit under your top because you are headed to some water fun, and a strap is visible, that is one thing. Otherwise, there is no excuse for this at all!

Look at some of the photos that I snapped of straps - it simply looks awful!

So: bra straps or no bra straps?

The answer is clear: Absolutely no bra straps!

Packing tips for Pessach in Israel

For those of us staying home for Pessach, we will be cleaning, sorting and cooking in the countdown leading up to the Chag, lucky us!

But for those of you who are going away, whether you are just driving to your destination or flying over to spend the Chag here in the Holy Land, you will be figuring out what to take, getting it into your bags and trying not to take too much.
To make your packing easier here are several tips that will allow you to have everything you need without overpacking.

General rules about Pessach in Israel:
1. Leave your winter clothes at home. No matter where you will be, pack for spring and summer and bring along a shawl, sweater or light jacket just in case it is cooler where you will be.
2. Smart casual looks better then too dressy.

What to take for the week of Pessach?

· Seder outfit (this can be dressier then the rest of your looks for the week)
· 3 skirts (Shabbat/Chag)
· 3 Tops (Shabbat/Chag)
· 2 easy dresses to dress up or down (for dinner or Shabbat/Chag afternoon)
· 2 casual bottoms (pants or skirts)
· 2 T-shirts
· 1 hat/scarf for shul
· 2 tiyul outfits (top, bottom, socks hat)
· low dress heel
· high dress heel
· hiking shoes
· 1 slides/flip-flops (for the pool)
· exercise clothing (top, bottom, socks, sneakers)
· 2 bathing suits
· 1 cover up
· 1 sunglasses
· fun jewelry
· shawl or sweater
· PJ's
· Underwear
· Toiletries and makeup
· pool bag/tiyul bag

After you pull out the items you would like to take, put them on your bed and make sure you can put together several looks with each piece - if you can't, then take it out and put it back!

HAPPY PACKING
Need more help packing? Contact Individual Style

What to wear when working out?

How you present yourself to the world is how people will see you.

Oftentimes people save their ratty old t-shirts for the gym. Although I agree that you must ALWAYS be comfortable while you exercise, it does not mean that you can not also look good!

Today, the variety of exercise clothing on the market is enormous. One does not need to choose between comfort and style - you can have both!The selection in the stores and on- line offers everything you need and the modern-day materials are perfect for all types of weather.

I am not against wearing an old t -shirt and shorts if they are clean and not fraying, but it is not the wisest choice. Cotton does not absorb sweat and does not dry quickly and therefore does not allow your body to stay comfortable during a workout, making your time at the gym even more difficult. The clothing labeled DRI-FIT is best for all sorts of workouts (winter and summer) - try it and you will notice an instant difference.

With all this said: This is absolutely not the time to follow trends. I find it laughable to watch women come to the gym in the latest workout looks, with their hair and makeup all done. There is a time and a place for everything and this is not it.

My advice is if you find items that you love, they fit well, look good and are comfortable, buy a lot. It is completely not important what the latest cut, design or color is.I have been an exercise lover for many years and rarely change my style. I have been wearing the same style running pants and tank-top since I cannot remember when.

Exercise, whether you are at home, in the gym or outside, is about working out and not about a fashion show.

Keep in mind the following tips:

1. clean and neat

2. comfort

3. proper fit (especially tanks and sports bras-bouncing around is a big no-no and quite painful to see)

4. Lots of sun cream for outdoors

You will look good and feel great crossing any finish line.

Oh and make sure that your tops and bottoms meet, it is best to keep muffin tops for later and have them with coffee.

For local shopping options contact:

Hadara Baranovitz at 054-5500176 and tell her Individual Style sent you

Or visit: Time Trail, 15 Kfar Street, Rishpon

Pre or Post Pessach Beauty

As we are getting ready for Pessach and focusing on all that needs to get done around the house, don't forget about yourself.

Here are several beauty tips, because it is not just about your clothes.

Facial: Eti Wolf, 09-957-7120 Eti is in Herzliya Pituach, in the industrial zone. The facility is simple and clean . Eti is from Holland and was trained in Europe, but is completely Israeli. Her facials are customized to your needs on the day of your appointment - they may include acid washes, special moisturizing creams and/or anti-aging masks. Although you may not know what to expect at the start of your visit, you will, without a doubt, leave with your skin looking fabulous.

Eyebrows: Smadar, 052-382-8910 Smadar is based in Raanana and works out of her home. She can completely take care of you from head to toe, facials, manicures, pedicures, waxing, massage and more. I think her specialty is eyebrows. She uses the THREADING method and is able to perfectly arch your brow and remove all the unwanted little hairs. Yes it hurts, but it is worth it!

Hair: Miki Buganim, 03-546-3242 Miki works out of his own hair salon in Tel- Aviv. He is known for ALL of his abilities: cut, color and style. The salon is also well-known for their hair extensions, both permanent and semi-permanent ones. Miki and his staff are kind, efficient and across the board excellent. In terms of color: Miki himself does not mix your color (unless you book him directly) but he will oversee the work that is being done and ensure you will not come out with the "Israeli red or purple" tint in your hair (unless you want it). While you are being cared for you can sit back, drink a coffee and watch the "who's who" of Israeli society stop by.

Massage: Sonya, 050-556-0056 Located in Raanana, Sonya will massage away any aches and pains you have. She works out of her apartment or will come to your home. Either way her technique is sheer perfection. I walk in feeling tight, knotted and tense and I leave feeling relaxed, calm and tranquil. Her hands are magical.

When making your appointments tell them Sarah Freund from Individual style sent you

Fashion in Israel

For those of you who read Hebrew please check out the the Israeli fashion website http://www.bamoda.co.il/ it is full of great fashion advice.

Also see the link below, an article about Individual Style

http://www.bamoda.co.il/styling/Articles.aspx?id=593

Defining your Style

You walk into a store and you take a deep breath, you look around and feel overwhelmed by the variety and choice: so many skirts, tops, shoes and bags. You ask yourself, what do I pick, what do I try, what do I buy?
You see ads in magazines, on the street and online all showing beautiful people wearing wonderful clothes and you want to look just like them. You buy what they are wearing and somehow it just does not work, you still do not look like Gwyneth Paltrow in the Tod's advertisement.
Do you want to look and feel good in what you wear but do not enjoy shopping or are too busy (with more important things) to spend hours searching for what is right, only to then have to pull it all together?
Would you like shopping to become less time-consuming, feel less like a chore and seem effortless?
Then begin by defining your style:
The fashion icons most of us think of - such as Jackie Kennedy, Audrey Hepburn, Grace Kelly -all had their own unique look. They were not victims of fashion trends, in fact they set the trend. Jackie O became known for her sunglasses, Audrey Hepburn gave birth to the little black dress and thanks to Gene Kelly we have the Kelly bag from Hermes.
Fashions and trends come and go so quickly it is hard to keep up. But when you develop your own personal style it will be with you forever.
How to start?
1. Know your body and what parts you are happy to accentuate and what parts you would prefer to cover up or hide. If you love your legs, wear shorter skirts. If you have a small waist then wear belts.
2. Decide what colors suit you best. If a camel coat washes you out, do not buy it, as much as you may love it. Stick to the colors that work for your skin tone and hair color. To determine what your best colors are check out: www.wikihow.com/Choose-What-Color-to-Wear
3. Know what is age appropriate: Do not dress too old (you have a whole life ahead of you to grow up) and definitely do not dress too young (there comes a point when we need to accept that it is time to leave youth to the young and the latest trends to them, no matter how young we feel or think we look).
Once you have figured out the above you are on your way to developing your own personal style.
Are you: Classic, Edgy, Bohemian (Boho), Sporty,Whimsical or Chic?

Yes, you can be a mix the above. The most important thing is to make it your own!
Making it your own also includes adapting your look to your lifestyle and where you live.

What is your lifestyle: Do you work in an office, are you a stay-at-home mom, is the place you live in casual or more formal? What is the weather?

The styles of Milan, New York and Paris are beautiful but do not always translate well to all climates. Use the fashions as inspiration so when living in Israel, where the weather is hot, the sun is strong and the lifestyle is casual, you need to take these factors into account.

Once you have figured out your style, you might be wondering: can you buy a trendy piece?
Yes! You can purchase trends and add them to your own style and make it your own. This is a great way of keeping your basic look current.
BUT IF THE TREND DOES NOT WORK FOR YOU, THEN DO NOT BUY IT.
Personal style does not happen overnight, it evolves with time, so be patient, do not be scared to try new things, if it works you will know, you will feel confident, comfortable and great.
If you incorporate these tips, the next time you walk into a store you will be efficient, feel at ease and go home with clothes that you love.

For further guidance contact us at Individual Style

Turn your closet into a boutique

March is almost over, spring is in the air and Pessach(passover) is around the corner. Yes it is time to open or enter your closet, clean it out and straighten it up.

How?
Where do you start?
What to keep?
What to give away?

These are some of the questions that daunt many women (and men) and therefore push off the task.
But this year is different!
This year most of us will be shopping in our closets for new looks and will try to stay away from the stores.
So here are several tips to help you organize your own boutique in your closet:

1. Empty all the contents and try on every item. (this takes time but it is worth it)

2. All your clothes should fit you now (not when you lose "the weight"). If it can fit with alterations then fix it. If not, pass it along (maybe you can even make some cash on eBay).

3. Divide and sort : winter/summer

4. Store all winter items away, make sure they are all clean (the longer a stain sits on your clothes the harder it is for it to come out). If you need to store winter items out of your closet, buy clear plastic bins, (they can be purchased at most hardware stores), list the contents on the outside for easy reference next fall. Oh ! make sure you add moth balls to your sweaters.

Back to spring and summer:

5. Look at your closet and decide what you would like to hang and what you would like to fold.

6. Fold and hang all like items together from white to black. To Help fold your tops buy the flipper, it will make sure that all your tops are folded to perfection. it can be found at http://www.flipper.co.il/

7. Basic hangers are fine they do not take up a lot of room and they do the job, for special care items buy the sponge tops for the hangers, this will help keep the shape of your knits and will prevent spaghetti straps from slipping. Do not use wire hangers, they ruin all types of clothes. I have not found a hanger supplier here in Israel, but when I do I will let you know. In the mean time check out: http://www.hangers.com/ plastic top and bottom hangers.

8. Keep the clothing you use the most easily accessible. (If you work in an office, make sure those clothes are easy to see, reach and use.)

9. Shoes and hats: Ideally, remove all your shoes from the boxes and place then heel to toe on the shelves. If you can't, and you need to store your shoes in boxes, take pictures and place them on the outside of the box. Here too make sure the shoes you will wear most often are easy to access.
Hats: Hats worn everyday should be on a hat rack or low shelves. For those hats reserved for special occasions put them in a box marked with a picture and place them at the top of the closet.
10. Here in Israel the dust goes everywhere. Especially around Pessach, after we clean our homes the sand storms come. It does not seem to matter if our windows are Marvin or Belgium, the dust makes it through to every nook and cranny of our house. The shoulders of every jacket,dress and top seem to be the final destination of the holy dust that travels through the air. Therefore I recommend plastic shoulder covers for those special items that you do not wear often. They are like garment bags but only cover the top part of the garment. http://www.hangers.com/ If you can not get your hands on any, here is a tip I got from a friend: Ask your dry cleaner to cut you a few plastic covers and use them instead.

Now once you have emptied, tried on, gotten rid of, altered, separated, sorted, folded, hanged. You will see what you have and be able to begin to mix and match and create many new styles from what you didn't even know was there.
Okay, okay you probably will still want to buy a few new things this season, but at least you will not come back from the store with another pair of black pants, jean skirt or top that was hidden under a pile, in the corner all the way in the back of your closet.