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.