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