The Blue and The White

Scoop NYC Top, McGuire Jeans, Jimmy Choo Pumps, Hermes Belt, Prada Bag, Chanel Bracelet, The Jewelry Bar Bracelets and Earrings. 

  I suppose that you could call me patriotic. I was born and raised a Canadian Jew, lived in Israel for a year, and became a U.S. citizen in 2001. So even though I am a lover of the red and the white, (Canada), the red, white and blue, (America), my heart belongs to the blue and the white (Israel). This Thursday is Yom Ha’atzmaut, also known as Israel’s Independence Day. This young country, (it was declared a state in 1948), is a start up nation of the highest degree. From the cell phone you store in your pocket to the e-book you are reading on your Kindle, to the cherry tomatoes you just popped into your mouth, this tiny country is responsible for some of the most important and indispensible advancements in health, technology and lifestyle. For a full list, click HERE.

  In honor of Israel’s birthday I decided to put together an outfit comprised entirely of blue and white. I love these white jeans by McGuire, which are cropped, flared and frayed at the bottom. I have been front-tucking my tops for many years, as it adds interest to an outfit, defines the waist and minimizes an oversized shirt. In the case of this shapeless top, I needed a little waist definition. My heels give me the height I so desperately crave, (if I stand up straight, I am a whopping 5’3 1/2”), and prevent me from getting a stiff neck from looking up to Jeff (6’1 1/2”)…who I request to be seated any time I have something important to discuss!

  Happy Birthday Eretz Yisrael…Happy Birthday to us all! 

MexiCali

Ulla Johnson Wrap, Scoop NYC T-Shirt, Sarah Pacini Belt and (silver) Bracelets and Necklace, Hudson Jeans, similar here, Sandro Booties, on sale here, Balenciaga backpack, similar for less here, Calypso St. Barth Hat, Lisa Hoffman black beaded bracelet, Celine sunglasses.

I love wraps. They serve a multitude of functions, and when they are as beautiful as this one, they beg to be worn in a dramatic and eye catching way. I was actually wearing these red Hudson jeans and a black tee last winter when I was visiting my parents in the desert, when I came upon this Ulla Johnson wrap at the Elizabeth and Prince boutique on El Paseo. I couldn’t believe how it uplifted my outfit and truly transformed it to something special. After many oohs and ahhs of other patrons, I decided to get it. I felt that it had a Latin quality to it and this hat completed my vision. My tried and true Balenciaga backpack, which can be worn three ways , adds the right amount of “muy bien” to this Mexicali ensemble. 

A Classic Twist

Worth New York Dress, Jimmy Choo Pumps, Calfun (Buenos Aires) Handbag, Zina Necklace, Chloe Ring (available at Scoop NYC), Hamilton Watch, Vintage YSL Cuff, Celine Sunglasses. 

What is it about a man’s shirt? Why is this masculine item so suddenly sexy and feminine? Without going into a host of symbolic and esoteric explanations, suffice to say that this woman loves the look of this dress,  which is a definite take on a man’s tailored dress shirt. The whimsy that lies in the design of this dress, by none other than Worth New York, is the center twist. It is as if you are twisting the oversize of it in a feminine way to create shape at the waist. It is lightweight, while offering just the right amount of coverage and perfect to wear right now. In the winter, I will add boots and a heavier jacket to ensure that this remains a true fall/winter wardrobe staple in my closet.  Thank you Worth, you have done it again!

  Now let’s talk about my handbag. It was one of the purchases I made in Buenos Aires this past summer. In case you didn’t know, Argentina is known for its leather goods, and they are about 1/3 of the price that their competitors are in Europe and North America. The combination of great quality is outstanding price, makes for perfect shopping weather conditions! 

Jungle Fever

Roberto Cavalli Dress, similar for less here, Manolo Blahnik Pumps, similar here, Bottega Veneta Clutch, Oliver Peoples Sunglasses, also seen here. Monique Pean Ring, Lucifer Vir Honestus Bracelet.

Once in a while I will look at a dress on a hanger, size it up and down, and then return it to its original spot on the rack. Then the sales associate will tell me that I should try it on because I will be surprised at how it transforms itself on the body. Thus it was with this loud print, high neck dress by Roberto Cavalli. I was not feeling it, but just to placate her, I tried it on. Instantly, it went from wrong to right. The vibrant colors seemed to transform my mood from blah to bling. The black stripe down the back of the dress had that J Lo/Beyonce effect, that gave my booty a boost! Best of all I snagged it on sale at Scoop NYC. Thank you Mr. Cavalli, as usual you are full of surprises.

Green is making a strong comeback this season, and I am bringing all of my green and gold accessories from the back to the front of the closet.  For instance, it’s amazing how you can keep a pair of shoes that you bought for a specific outfit, at the back of your closet thinking “I will keep these, although I probably won’t get much wear out of them,” and then suddenly they seem to go with everything. These camel and mint green pumps by Manolo Blahnik were purchased for a specific outfit; they have been sitting in my closet virtually unworn for 2 years. That is until now. I have so much green and camel in my wardrobe, and I have decided to mix and match colors that are within the same family. It is as if new life has been breathed into them. It’s funny how clothing, when you adore it as I do, can anthropomorphize so easily!