You Can Bring The Shops To Israel, BUT........

Israel is quickly adopting the mall culture of the USA. Wherever you turn, there are small, charming malls as well as large mega ones that are developing in major cities and in small towns. It does make sense that indoor shopping centers are sprouting up, as they provide great protection from the outdoor elements and, generally speaking, parking is easy.

I find Mall shopping is usually void of flavor and interest, with every center having the same stores and every store the same selection. You feel that if you have been to one you have been to them all. But with that said, there has been a perk… many major retailers are finally making their way over here. From high-end labels such as Ann Fontaine (known for their great white shirts) to more commonly-known chains such as H & M and The Gap.

But on recent outings to find gifts in various malls, such as the new Mamilla mall, the G-mall in Kfar Saba and the newly-renovated Arena mall at the Marina in Herzliya Pituach, I could not help but notice that even while shopping has gotten better in Israel and people are spending more, many Israelis just do not know how to dress.

France and Italy are examples where style is a part of the culture and fashion is inbred from the moment you are born. IT IS NOT ABOUT SPENDING A LOT OF MONEY - it is about knowing what works for you and finding your inner self and exposing it through clothing to the world.

Yes, things are changing, there is a light, I hope, at the end of the tunnel. But apparently, for now at least, you can bring the shops to Israelis but you cannot change their dress.

"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!