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