Swim Wear That Flatters

It was a great beach day, so I took my boys out of school (they are not missing much anyway), packed up the car and drove to the coast in Herzliya. We carried our stuff and settled down on several lounge chairs underneath umbrellas (I try to stay out of the sun to avoid wrinkles, aging and skin cancer). The beach was perfect, the sky was clear, the sand was white and the water, aside from the many jellyfish, was simply delightful.

After a quick dip in the Mediterranean, I sat myself down to enjoy the view, but I could not help but be distracted by the many - and I mean many - women strutting about in the worst possible choices of swimwear. I am not talking so much about design as about fit and style. When you need to put Vaseline on your limbs to squeeze in to something, or when you are in a bikini and much of your body is flowing over, I find myself gazing at these strangers and thinking: “you have made the wrong choice.”

Then I am always left with a Shakespearean dilemma: to stare or not to stare. Clearly, I should not stare - it is rude, not nice and if the woman sees me staring it will only make her feel great, as she will assume that she looks good, so by staring I am just reinforcing bad behavior.

I am all for great body image and for women feeling good about themselves no matter what size they are. But we all need to be realistic and make choices that are flattering and appropriate.
For tips on how to choose a bathing suit that will flatter, check out www.shine.yahoo.com/event/the-thread/swimsuits-that-flatter-every-body-type-471364/

Underwear, a Private Matter

When my Russian-born grandmother once told me to always make sure to be wearing clean underwear, I assumed she was referring to the possibility of being involved in a potential accident or some other kind of terrible event which would require an emergency responder to see my undergarments.

But after an entirely different kind of incident the other day, all I can say is: wow! - my grandmother really saw the future, and it is a future where I can not help but ask myself: why?

There I was, sitting with a friend and enjoying a cup of coffee at a cafe, when I saw this:

Now, as its name implies, underwear is meant to be worn under. In case that isn't clear, allow me to explain it even more bluntly: the rest of us should not see it. Not in public and especially not while at a cafe sipping a latte.

Even though underwear is a private matter, I still do have a couple of opinions, for you men out there, about it:

1. If you prefer briefs, the tidy whites are the ONLY way to go
2. If you are a boxer kind of man, then go for it: crazy colors, patterns and designs are always fun

But whatever your preference, please do us all a favor and keep them undercover.

And for those handymen and plumbers among you, here is a simple, yet important tip: get yourself some work overalls - that is what they are for!

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!!