Dress up, Look Good, Feel Good

Is it wrong to dress up and look good? Does putting a value on looking good contradict being idealistic?
Obviously I do not think so!
I am not saying that spending the majority of your day swept away by the world of materialism is the way to go. But when you dress well, you feel good and that is reflected in the way you behave and how people treat you. In fact the way people dress also sets a tone for an evening/ event.
Most events here in Israel are relaxed, casual and less formal. There rarely is a dress code and although that is liberating at times, when men and women show up to ceremonial events “dressing down” the celebration seems to lose its importance.
I recently attended a wedding in Caesarea, where the men and women all showed up dressed to perfection (they were not Israeli). The men were all in suits and the women in long chiffon dresses in every color of the rainbow.
Whether the dresses were sleeveless, one sleeved, or backless the fit of each garment was just right. Nothing was too tight or too short, there were no back folds, no schnitzels (armpit fat) sticking out, and absolutely no muffin tops peaking through. Simple or adorned with rhinestones each and every woman looked absolutely stunning.
The feeling of the wedding was sophisticated, elegant and most importantly respectful. I know that the décor of the ceremony was more because the guest list was from overseas where these events are much more formal.
But...
I do know from my own children (boys) who hate going to events where they need to dress up that once the shirt is tucked in, the tie is on and the jacket is buttoned: they look in the mirror and feel REALLY good. And when they feel good, so do those around them.

Wishing you a BEAUTIFUL New Year

A New Year... So, What do You Wear?

With the arrival of Rosh Hashana, many people are busy thinking about the magnitude of the holidays that are upon us. They are looking for ways in which they can better themselves, both on a human level and on a spiritual level. But to be honest with you - and myself - the main thoughts running through my head are: what to cook and more importantly what to wear! Yes, these are not the holiest of thoughts, but it is the truth.

I have many fond memories of the HOLIDAYS as a child, the food, the table, feeling excited to hear the shofar… but the strongest memory is of pulling out my brand new “Shabbat” clothes and wearing them to shul for the very first time and feeling glorious.

Now that I have been living here in Israel and the weather is usually warm (especially this year) during the Chagim,I only get to admire the new fall collection hanging in my closet. There are some people out there that no matter what the weather is outside, they must put on their new purchases for all to see. They may be sweating under the collar and feel the beads of sweat dripping down their backs, but they feel (as I did too) that for great fashion it is a worthy price to pay.

Today, I realize that they are, as I was, just plain dumb!!! I have learned that when it is hot out - dress for the heat.

So if you are like me and have already bought a thing or two (or more) for the fall and are anxious to wear them….as it is customary to wear something new on Rosh Hashanah (as a sign of a fresh start), here are a few items and ways to get some use out of your new clothes and still look right.


1. New shoes: got to love shoes... high-heeled, platform or lady-like kitten heels are all the craze and they can make you feel like fall is in the air without feeling hot…. Do wait awhile to bring out the boots or booties!
2. Accessories: bracelets, necklaces, earrings - there is a wide variety out for the fall/winter and adding them can make something old feel new again
3. Belt: now that the weather is more bearable having a belt around your waist looks and feels great
4. White shirt: there is nothing like a crisp new white shirt to make you look and feel fresh

Yes, winter clothes are in the stores…. fashion is always one step ahead. But as long as temperatures are still high, be smart and look great without being a fashion victim

HAVE A HAPPY AND HEALTHY NEW YEAR