Bellabusta

RocksBox: Unlimited Designer Jewelry at Your Door (and 50% off!)

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 18:13:00 -0400

My mailbox has never been more psyched — thank you RocksBox!

RocksBox is a membership-based jewelry styling service. Members pay a flat rate of $19/month to trial unlimited designer jewelry, sent in sets of three at a time. (Check below for a special 50% off discount!)

I received a 6 month RocksBox gift subscription courtesy beauty blogging hub, iFabbo, and so far it’s been unlike anything I’ve ever experienced. Not to mention so much fun.

Here’s how it works:

First you fill out a personalized style profile. Then you receive 3 handpicked pieces mailed to you; all prettily packaged and with a prepaid return shipping label.

You can keep the pieces for up to 60 days, or return them as many times as you’d like, and get a new set of 3 pieces mailed to you. Plus - if you fall in love with an item in your box, you can purchase it for a members-only discount of 20% off the retail price.

Nothing beats the feeling of getting a fresh box of surprise jewels picked just for you… and getting to send them back for new ones when you get bored!

This service is a great way to try out new jewelry styles without the commitment.

This is what I received in my past two RocksBoxes. Can’t wait to see what else comes in the mail next!

Urban Gem Leather Resort Cuff in Brown ($35), Viento Art Deco Earrings in Rhodium and Black ($85) , Gorjana Daphne Hoops in Amazonite ($95)

Gorjana Taner Dagger Earrings in Rose Gold ($35), Bing Bang Baguette Studs ($50), Trina Turk Elephant Charm Necklace ($95)

RocksBox also has a great referral program where you can earn credits towards new jewelry if you refer friends. (So if you do decide to sign up please link from Bellabusta!)

And finally - the 50% off coupon code!

Use the promo code FABB for 50% off for 3 months. Which means - just $9.50/month for doorstep delivery of unlimited designer jewelry!

Click here to check out the RocksBox website and take the style profile quiz to see all their fabulous gems.

Heaven Scent: A Deeper Look Into the Ketores

Thu, 30 May 2013 10:18:00 -0400

Let me introduce you to a beautiful product, 21 Drops. I do consulting work for this this modern aromatherapy line and have a lot to share about it!

This all-natural product works with the power of essential oils. Some of these blends contain the same fragrant ingredients that were in the ketores!

Check out the highlights from my latest Jewish Press article on 21 Drops and the special scent of ketores:

Scent is one of our most spiritual senses. You can’t see it, you can’t feel it, and you often can’t describe it - yet its presence can be felt strongly. Our sense of smell has the power to inspire, to uplift and to transport us.

Consider the ketores, the sacred incense burned in the Bais Hamikdash. There was more to this fragrance offering than just a sweet smell.

Why did God choose these particular 11 ingredients to be included; what special qualities do those aroma materials possess?

To answer this question, I consulted with an expert. Cary Caster, the founder of the modern aromatherapy brand 21 Drops, is a clinical aromatherapist trained in the art and science of using plants to help us feel better and be better.

Cary Caster, clinical aromatherapist and founder of 21 Drops.

I work with Cary as a marketing consultant for 21 Drops, and I find this unique approach to essential oil therapy fascinating.

21 Drops is a line of twenty one all-natural essential oil blends that were developed to target particular concerns and aspirations. For example, 18 Sleep utilizes sandalwood and ylang ylang flower to help you rest easy.

As a clinical aromatherapist, Cary maintains that plants can effect real physiological changes in our bodies as well as on our emotional and mental states.

Cary honed in to the powerful physical properties of the ketores components as well as their spiritual qualities. She asserts that the fragrant oils in the ketores help to strengthen the immune system as well as open the mind on a deeper, more spiritual level.

For example, the fourth ingredient of ketores listed in the Torah is frankincense or levona. This oil is an ancient remedy used to quiet the mind, soothe the soul, and support focused attention and tranquility. For this reason, Cary uses frankincense oil in her modern aromatherapy line. The healing blend 13 Carry On and 11 De-Stress contain this special scent.

The fifth ingredient in the ketores is myrrh, or mor in Hebrew. Myrrh is prized for its strength in combating illness. Myrrh has antibacterial and expectorant properties, making it of great use in treating colds and coughs. In addition, myrrh was used throughout the ancient world to promote peacefulness and meditation. Cary infuses myrrh oil into her aromatherapy blends 08 Pain Relief and 15 Decongest.

Many of the other plants used in the ketores, such as cinnamon and possibly cloves, have natural therapeutic properties in addition to being beautifully scented.

Of course, today we can’t fathom the ambrosial fragrance of the holy incense or the spirit it infused throughout the Beis Hamikdash. But, like everything else in the Torah, there is more to it than meets the eye (or in the case, nose). Just as the korbanos were more than just meat, the lechem hapanim was bigger than just bread — the ketores was more sublime than just a smell; it was the scent of spirituality.

3 Questions for a Frum Fashion Designer

Thu, 23 May 2013 09:50:00 -0400

“When I design, I always imagine the woman who will wear the garment, and whether she will find it easy to walk around in. We should enjoy our clothes to the point we forget we’re wearing them.”

-Esther Goldberger, Dellasuza designer

A frum fashion designer from Montreal, Esther has a new line of easy-to-wear modest dresses and some sage style advice to share with us all.

1. How was it attending fashion school as a frum woman?

Fashion design is not for the weak of heart. It requires strength; physical and mental. For frum Jews it also requires a lot of schedule planning and organization because of Shabbat and Chagim. For married frum Jews who have to get home and cook, do the laundry and entertain guests… wow… only love can explain why I did it.

2. How does designing for frum women differ than the general population?

Black is so convenient and easy to accommodate in our lifestyles that sometimes people just forget that there are colors out there. But colors and prints can be so figure-flattering and modest.

If find that Orthodox women love beautiful, feminine clothes and crave comfort. I know that wearing layers and layers of clothing during summer is challenging… that’s why I created my Dellasuza line of dresses.

The body shape of the frum woman… I always had the impression that we are mainly Apple and Pear body types. Perhaps just a personal impression of mine? Time will tell…

3. What style advice do you have for frum women?

I believe the source for Orthodox women’s doubts about fashion is our complex of the black skirt. The black skirt occupies a huge space in our comfort zone. But we can get out of this fashion rut by challenging ourselves to try something new.

Not many people are born with an innate understanding of fashion - but anyone can learn! By developing your curiosity and experimenting with what works for you, you can learn a lot.

People think fashion is just a vanity that should not be taken seriously. I don’t agree. When we ally fashion to our inner personality, we create a beautiful harmony that brings out the best in us.

Esther sent me a blue maxi wrap dress from the line to review. Ladies - if you’re looking for something easy and comfortable, this is it! The comfort of the fabric is unparalleled any dress I have ever worn before. It is so easy and soft, it’s marvelous. I also love that the fabric is slinky, but not clingy or see-through at all.

Visit the Dellasuza website here to see all of these pretty, lightweight and affordable modest designs. (Plus - use the coupon code FASHION15 for an additional 15% off)

You Won't Bee-lieve this Anti-Aging Ingredient!

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 13:45:00 -0400

It’s bee venom.

That’s right. New high-end skincare products have been cropping up with this ouch-inducing ingredient.

The toxic venom supposedly tricks your skin into thinking it’s been stung. This stimulates a reaction that renews and tightens the area.

This may sound drastic. Or maybe not.

After all, the use of toxins are not new gateways to attaining youth and beauty. Take Demi Moore’s leech therapy (warning: not for the faint of heart). Or your run-of-the-mill lip plumpers (which contain irritants to make your lips feel collagen-enhanced and pouty). And of course, the Queen of Beauty Toxins - Botox.

Personally, I’m going to stay away from the sting and stick with my traditional skincare regimen.

Would you try a product with bee venom?

Brilliant Color to Brighten Your Spirits

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 09:03:00 -0400

Brighten up your beauty routine this spring/summer season!

Welcome the warm weather with 3 deliciously daring and fun makeup colors.

Check out my guest post on the lovely and fabulous Fashion-Isha for some gorgeous new makeup shades (and the best way to pull them off!)

Magazines Make me Manic

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 10:57:00 -0400

photo credit: Lovemaegan on flickr

I’m conflicted about women’s magazines. I despise them, yet I can’t control the urge to flip through a Vogue if it’s in front of me…

Read my article on Kveller to see why “I Hate Women’s Magazines”…

Confused by Color? Make it Monochrome!

Tue, 23 Apr 2013 20:56:00 -0400

Forget black and white.

Strike a modern match and pair color with… more color!

Bellabusta’s Tips for Monochromatic Dressing:

Build your outfit based on one color, or hue. But — vary the tones in the outfit from light to dark (i.e., a hot pink skirt with a baby pink sweater)
Accessorize in neutral color (i.e., white, beige or black)
OR go bold and choose one or two accessories that contrast completely from your base color (i.e., rock an orange belt with your hot pink skirt and baby pink sweater)

This is how I styled my single-hued outfits:

Look #1 - Balance a bright blue skirt with a paler version of the color in the top. Denim is just awesome with cobalt. Pristine white accessories pull it all together.

Look #2 - A sunshine yellow dress is so pretty with a buttercup layering top. The shoes echo the creaminess of the shell, while a small dose of shocking purple creates a fabulous contrast.

Which is your favorite look?

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If I Were a... hipster at Coachella

Tue, 16 Apr 2013 19:04:00 -0400

See more modest hipster looks in my post Buttoned Up Shirts, Nerdy Glasses and Other Geeky Stuff.

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Leelach Gift Card Giveaway - {CONTEST CLOSED}

Sat, 06 Apr 2013 21:01:00 -0400

The latest Bellabusta giveaway - three $10 gift cards to Leelach.com “The Home for Art Created & Designed by Israeli Women”

This beautiful shopping concept brings together unique fashion and accessories designed exclusively by women from Israel. It’s a wonderful way to support the talented women of Israel - and get something special for yourself in the process.

Here are some of my personal picks from Leelach.com:

The Jerusalem of Gold headband This tiara is exquisite and beyond breathtaking. Makes me want to get married all over again - in Jerusalem, of course :)

Black floral dress So simple and chic: no layering required.

Gold & Red Tichel This is something you would definitely get compliments on! So refreshingly different.

And now… it’s giveaway time!

Just leave a comment with your choice of A, B or C. Three winners will be chosen at random on Monday, April 15 from all the entries received here and on Facebook.

Good luck!

This contest has ended.

A Pair of Aldo Sandals... and some Laughable Magical Thinking

Wed, 03 Apr 2013 21:38:00 -0400

Casually flipping through a fashion magazine, something catches my eye:

A pair of lucite chunky heeled sandals. They would look so perfect with patterned tights. They’re not too pricey. They’re cute for summer. And winter. They’ll elevate the style factor of everything in my closet. They’ll make me look like I have all the time in the world to put myself together. My makeup will look better. My hair will look better. My smile will become wider, my teeth whiter. I will glow with the radiance of a truly happy person.

“Ahem”, my rational brain intruded, knocking me out of my dreamlike trance. “You’re being absurd. These shoes will not complete you. They will not perfect everything around you. They’re just shoes. And besides, they’ll probably give you blisters.”

And so it goes, the exercise of leafing through a fashion glossy. A burdensome back-and-forth between head and heart, rationale and rashness, sense and, well, nonsense.

What was the last objet d’art you found yourself bestowing magical qualities upon?

Swap your Snoods: Pre-Pesach Judith de Paris SALE!

Mon, 18 Mar 2013 21:02:00 -0400

This Pesach, why not try a new way to cover your hair? Judith de Paris specializes in selling beautiful and elegant headscarves imported from Israel and France. And from now til Pesach, everything (including the new spring collection) is marked down 10%!

Me in one of my favorite “yom yom” headscarves. I love the height that the special volumizer underneath provides. Black + gold combo = understated elegance.

I first discovered Judith de Paris a few months ago (Read the original Jewish Press article here) and have been experimenting with the unique headcoverings she sells since. I’m going to be receiving a couple of complimentary items from the new collection to sample soon, but I wanted to put this post up now to give all of you the chance to take advantage of the sale and get something beautiful in time for Pesach.

My favorite items from the Spring 2013 collection:

The color and pattern on this scarf is so vibrant! The Yom Yom is my absolute favorite style - this particular scarf can make an entire outfit.

This veil turban is a perfect starter piece - it’s simple to tie and to wear, and is a beautiful change from a black snood or Israeli tichel.

This is called a Kaly turban - the pink plisse is very chic and you can customize the head jewel yourself. SUPER easy to put on (trust me on this one - I can’t stand tying anything complicated!)

The key to the sophisticated look is wearing a volumizer cap underneath these scarves. This season, there’s a new volumizer available that I haven’t tried yet but sounds pretty cool. It’s adjustable so you can arrange it to the size you prefer. Personally, I’m very prone to headaches when I wear constricting things on my head so I’m looking forward to sampling the new adjustable volumizer to see if it’s more comfortable.

Check out the Judith de Paris website and Facebook page to see what’s available now - and keep checking because there are new scarves being added all the time. Make sure to order by Thursday March 21 at noon so you’ll receive everything in time for Pesach.

Good luck and let me know what treasures you find!

So What's the Deal with Cosmetics on Pesach?

Sun, 17 Mar 2013 21:00:00 -0400

I find that one of the hardest things in preparing for Passover is the uncertainty. Each year I’m like “wait, am I supposed to cover the fridge shelves?” or “does regular coffee need a special pesach certification?”….and the list goes on.

And when it comes to cosmetics on Passover, it can get confusing, too. One the one hand, there’s the opinion that if it’s not food, it doesn’t make a lick of a difference what’s in it. On the other hand, there are companies championing their “kosher for Pesach” makeup lines.

So here’s the deal:

The OU lists cosmetics (with the exception of lipstick) shampoo, conditioners body wash, perfumes and lotions in their tally of non-food items that DO NOT NEED CERTIFICATION on Pesach. So this year, I will not pore of over the ingredients of my foundations, eyeliners or body products to ascertain whether or not they contain wheat or oat products. In fact, when I have done this in years past, I don’t recall ever finding chometz ingredients in those products.

What I will do, though is:

a. Buy a new lipstick and read the ingredients to make sure there is no chometz in it. (Yay! I actually wait all year to have a guilt-free excuse to buy yet another tube of lipstick.)

b. Check and see if I have any body care products (like lotions or shampoos) that tout their oat/wheat-based ingredients. Examples I’ve seen - Johnson’s Vanilla Oatmeal baby wash and Aveeno lotion with oatmeal. Chometz ingredients are a lot more common in natural/organic products, too, so I’ll be checking those as well.

The overt oatmeal in this product makes it something I would definitely sell on Pesach.

Of course, I must disclaim that I am not a trained Rabbi, but all of the above info does have a Rabbinic source.

So what will you be doing with your makeup and toiletries this upcoming Pesach?

Purim Costume Gallery 2013

Wed, 27 Feb 2013 19:58:00 -0500

Who doesn’t love the Purim spirit? The costumes, the themes, the food and the overall aura of happiness is absolutely contagious!

Check out some of the most adorable, fun and creative Purim costumes and revel in the post-Purim joy!

The Rosners go goth

Sharon of Fashion-Isha as glam forest fairy

Rachel as Rosie the Riveter and Neesa with leopard-print lips(!)

The Grinbergs as Kosher Chinese Food

The Wolkenfelds as Gnomeo and Juliet

The colorful Crayola Trenks

The Weisberg “crew” (photo courtesy of Srivki Photography)

The Tenenbaums as “The Royal Tenenbaums”

The Pomper Penguins

Which one of these costumes is your favorite?

(If you liked this, make sure to check out the Bellabusta Modest Wedding Gown gallery too!)

Purim Costume Share: Part 2 - Tznius Barbies

Wed, 20 Feb 2013 17:19:00 -0500

Purim is a time when you can get away with things that just won’t fly in the normal world.

Rachel, my Purim buddy and I took advantage of this with our Tznius Barbie costumes when we were in our teens. She was the blue beauty queen and I, the pink.

Picking out our costumes was fun, but the best part was globbing on the bronzer, false lashes and fuchsia lipstick… and getting away with it!

If you think we looked cute, you’ll be pretty shocked to see what we looked like one year later!

Want to see some more great Purim Costumes? Check out the Bellabusta Purim Gallery!

Meet Miss Mellalina: "A Fresh Take on Modesty"

Sun, 17 Feb 2013 14:44:00 -0500

I recently discovered a wonderful new modest fashion blog - Miss Mellalina.

Hailing from a small town in California, Miss Mellalina works in the fashion industry and believes that modesty and fashion can go hand in hand.

With a penchant for vintage accessories and romantic flourishes, Mellalina’s style is both fabulous and truly modest at the same time. (Not many can pull that off!)

Here are some of my favorite “Outfit of the Day” photos of Mellalina on her modest fashion blog. (I also love the names she gives to all of her looks.)

Take Me Away

Small Town Girl

Galactic Dreamer

Which outfit is your favorite?

To see more of Miss Mellalina’s modest Outfits of the Day along with other gorgeous inspirational photos, be sure to “like” Miss Mellalina on Facebook!

(Did you check out my punk Purim garb from years back? You can join the Bellabusta Purim Costume gallery - send your fave Purim pics to bellabusta@rocketmail.com to be featured!)

“Like” Bellabusta on Facebook or subscribe (enter your e-mail in the right sidebar of the blog) to be the first to know when the Purim gallery goes up.

Purim Costume Share: Part 1 - Going Grunge

Thu, 14 Feb 2013 13:11:00 -0500

Purim must be a field day for psychoanalysts. Figuring out the motivations behind people’s choice of costumes seems kinda fun.

Like… what were these kiddos thinking???

An old photo of my dress-up soulmate, Rachel, and me channeling some very dubious 80’s-era characters.

Rachel was a flamboyant club-goer and I was a punk rocker. We spent months planning these crazy costumes, down to the last detail. And we made them modest, too.

We crafted these costumes from the bottom up.

My jacket was made from cheap vinyl - I chopped off the sleeves with scissors and sewed on sleeves made from fishnet tights. I took another pair of fishnet tights and made holes in them to create some very grungy fingerless gloves.

I rocked skeleton earrings and 4 magnetic studs in my ears to make it look like I had multiple piercings. Black polish and lipstick complete the look.

Of course, I need to thank my mother for sewing this plaid punk kilt to my exact specifications - oversize decorative safety pins included.

And as for those ridiculous camo high-tops…see where they came from in my post “My Most OUTRAGEOUS Teenage Fashion Faux Pas!”

Want to see some more great Purim Costumes? Check out the Bellabusta Purim Gallery!

FASHION FLASHBACK: High-Heeled Skechers. Seriously?!?

Wed, 13 Feb 2013 15:46:00 -0500

(photo credit - tazzystuff2009 on ebay)

These were the coolest shoes for about 5 minutes in the late 90’s.

Who remembers?

(Love fashion flashbacks as much as I do? “Like” Bellabusta on Facebook for more!)

I Just Figured Out The ULTIMATE Skincare Secret!

Wed, 06 Feb 2013 10:15:00 -0500

Up until a few weeks ago, I was experiencing the most ridiculous winter skincare seesaw. I would wash my face with a mild cleanser as usual, but because of the frigid temps and dry air, my face would feel all tight and dry. So I would slather on moisturizer as often as I could. When my skin finally achieved balance, it would be cleansing time again.

Then I realized, WHY ON EARTH would I strip my skin of all its moisture in the name of “cleansing” and then proceed to return it to its normal state through the use of expensive, heavily processed, loaded-with-who-knows-what moisturizer?

So I just stopped.

In the past month I have not used any store-bought cleanser or moisturizer, and despite the freezing winter weather, my skin feels perfectly balanced (and looks just as good as usual, if not better!)

What’s the secret?

A combo of olive oil and sugar. As simple as that.

In college, I majored in cosmetics marketing and I can tell you, most of what goes into store-bought products is just extra stuff that doesn’t contribute to the function of the product but rather the way it feels, looks, smells, or is being marketed.

Olive oil is nature’s moisturizer; it’s the epitome of health - so I figured it must be good for skin. (The thought of putting oil on your skin may make you cringe, but I have had no breakouts from this!) And sugar is the best exfoliator for smooth and soft skin, without being overly harsh. Before bed, combine the two ingredients and apply to your skin in circular motions. Wash off with steaming water. You’ll be left with smooth, soft and luminous skin!

(If you love cosmetic marketing as much as I do, make sure to check out “The Big Beauty Debate: Drugstore vs. Dept. Store” and “(Not So) Natural Beauty: How Manufacturers Falsely Brand Cosmetics”)

Would you dare eliminate all your other skincare products and use olive oil and sugar exclusively?? Try it and let me know how it goes!

The French Connection: Unique Headscarves from Overseas

Wed, 16 Jan 2013 17:50:00 -0500

As an Orthodox woman who covers my hair, when I get up each morning I must make a choice: Shaitel or tichel? As all decisions regarding appearance tend to be, this one requires me to choose between aesthetics and comfort. With a wig I’ll feel well dressed, polished, put together… and half-blind (when will those blasted side-bangs finally go out of style?!?!). Not to mention the splitting headache I’ll have by the end of the day. With a mitpachat I’ll feel comfortable, calm, fully-sighted… and about as elegant as a balding cleaning lady. This choice is not an easy one to make. Lucky for me, my decision just got a little bit easier - I discovered Judith de Paris hair wear.

Some of my favorite styles sold by Judith de Paris

Judith de Paris is the exclusive U.S. retailer of many styles of graceful and well-designed headscarves and head covering accessories imported from Israel and France. But before I get to the exceptional merchandise of Judith de Paris, I must tell the inspiring story of the woman behind it all, Judith Levy.

Judith Levy is a gorgeous French-born woman with a flair for fashion and the written word (she’s an editor for French editions of Artscroll). At the start of her second marriage she found herself in a shaitel vs. tichel predicament very similar to mine. Her husband, who currently leads a Sephardic minyan at a shul in Silver Spring, MD, asked that his new wife trade in her “beautiful, long and trendy” wig for a more modest head covering as per Sephardic halachic rulings. But Judith could not bring herself to make the leap from a striking shaitel to a lackluster, unflattering tichel. In fact, coming from France, Ms. Levy was accustomed to women making the opposite change. That is, many French women start wearing wigs in lieu of headscarves so as not to be confused with hijab-wearing Arabs. But being determined to start off her marriage on the right foot, Judith committed to wear a kisuy rosh as often as she could. Although she started to wear it on most days, she could not bring herself to put on a scarf for weddings and other special events. She felt silly wearing an elegant dress and then putting “just anything” on her head. But the fact was that no matter how hard she searched, she could not find a hairpiece worthy of being paired with elegant clothing. She felt that the scarves available on the market are an insult to classy evening wear. That all changed with a visit to Israel.

The “apron” tichel (super simple to tie!)

It was in Israel that Judith discovered a French-Israeli designer, Rinati Lakel, who has a store in Jerusalem filled with the most chic scarves, turbans and hair ornaments. Ms. Levy dubs Rinati Lakel mitpachot the equivalent of “the little black dress - a staple in any respectable wardrobe”. Now these she felt comfortable wearing to a wedding. She wore a Rinati Lakel creation to her own daughter’s wedding, and felt so fabulous in it she never went back to a shaitel again. Ms. Levy was so ecstatic from her discovery of these stylish headpieces and felt compelled to share them with the women of her community. She began importing those exquisite mitpachot from Israel and France. Thus her store, Judith de Paris, was born. Demand was immediate for these beautiful tichels, the likes of which American women had never seen.

Ms. Levy sells her exclusive imports on her website, judithdeparis.com, Facebook page and private consultations through Skype. Occasionally, she travels to frum communities around the tri-state area to present her merchandise. She sells her exclusive items on the retail level, and distributes them wholesale to other retailers.

A Kaly with a flowered headband

The scarves and turbans of Judith de Paris are simply stunning. The fabrics are sumptuous and high-quality and the designs are unique and surprisingly simple to tie. After trying some of her mitpachot, I laugh at my old flimsy, threadbare Israeli tichels. It’s like comparing the headscarves of a peasant and those of a queen. Although the scarves are all beautiful, an essential part of the regal look comes from what’s underneath – a volumizer. I had never heard of a volumizer before I bought one from Judith and my curiosity was piqued when I viewed it on her website. The main problem with tichels is that they can look unbecoming and unflattering – they fall flat – literally. The volumizer is a padded cap that is designed to be worn underneath a mitpachat. It adds elegance and flair to any tichel, and it’s much more flattering. The volumizer creates a look reminiscent of Marie Antoinette or Vermeer’s “Girl with a Pearl Earring”. Just think of the difference between a buzzed haircut and a tall ballerina bun; they both lack hair cascading down, but the latter is an awful lot prettier.

Another notable piece sold by Judith de Paris is the Kaly. The Kaly, a simplified version of a turban, was among the few items that Ms. Levy sent me to review. Patented by the aforementioned designer Rinati Lakel, the Kaly is a two-piece head covering consisting of a snood-like base and a headband that goes on top. It looks complicated, but is actually super easy and fast to put on. When worn, the Kaly looks like a complexly tied turban when, in fact, you basically just slip it on without having to make any knots, bows or ties. Another nice thing about the sophisticated Kaly is that it can be personalized – you can mix and match the colors of the two pieces and can add ribbons or jewels to it for your own unique look.

Judith Levy views her elegant head coverings as a crown – and it is her mission to help other frum women feel the same. She founded Judith de Paris as a way to bring beautiful and tzniut hair coverings to the masses; to have women realize that they can cover their hair in a fabulous, yet very modest way. And after trying some of her chic pieces, I must say, she’s absolutely right.

(This article originally appeared in The Jewish Press magazine)

Judith de Paris is coming to Brooklyn on Thursday, January 17 and Lakewood on Saturday, January 19. Check here for details on events in your area.

Cluttered, Cramped and Crowded Closets: Why Do We Own So Many Clothes?

Thu, 29 Nov 2012 12:28:00 -0500

Via bixentro on flickr

I recently underwent a major psychological shift. This radical alteration was caused by an equally extreme change of circumstances; a change of residence. My family and I moved from a small apartment with a bedroom closet that was not only tiny, but also falling apart – peeling paint, a broken door, a squeaky hinge, you get the picture. We moved into a house with a feature that most women covet … a newly built walk-in closet.

I’m sure you’re wondering how a change in closet space can transform my psychological state. You see, when you have something you feel is sub-par, unsightly or altogether dreadful, you’re not going to have much incentive to take care of it. After all, what’s the point? That is exactly what I felt like with my broken down closet. I would just throw things in there without any mind towards orderliness. But with my gorgeous, new walk-in closet? Now that’s a different story. Now I feel that my clothes need to merit being hung in the closet. Now I take organizing seriously. Now, before I buy a new piece of clothing, I think about if it deserves to be put into my precious closet (i.e., will I still love it in a month from now?)

Via LizMarie_AK on flickr

Because of my high standards of what belongs in my recently acquired wardrobe, a lot of my clothes have not made the cut. I put them in a large Rubbermaid bin for a few months and eventually took pity on them lying there forlornly, without a potential wearer in sight. I decided to sift through them to see if anything could be salvaged, donated or tossed. While I was rummaging through these castaways, I was struck by the realization that at one time all of these items had held some promise. At one point I actually chose each and every one of these clothing items and paid money for them. Now all they’re doing is taking up space.

How does a shirt so quickly go from being an object of aspiration to an old piece of fabric I can’t wait to discard?

I spent some time trying to explain this incomprehensible phenomenon. I came up with a few possible explanations; maybe clothes are made so cheaply today so they look bad after just a few wears, perhaps we wash our clothes so often that it ruins them, or maybe it’s just that we get bored of clothes really, really fast?

Then I found an answer that I think explains it. I was reading a book entitled The 100 Thing Challenge: How I Got Rid of Almost Everything, Remade My Life, and Regained My Soul.

The author, Dave Bruno, was fed up with his glut of material goods, so he dares himself to live an entire year with just 100 possessions. Throughout the book he refers to our national shopping culture as “American-style consumerism” and decries its ability to leave us always wanting more. In a particularly inspiring paragraph, he notes that “we acquire possessions that are just barely but not quite exactly right…When we get home we decide that what we just bought may not be the best of the best, and so we put it in our closet or in our garage and go back to a store and get something else that we think is going to be the best of the best.” So true.

We shop with the intention of buying that perfect piece, the thing that’s going to complete our wardrobes. For instance, we’ll go to the store with the intention of buying a black skirt that will look amazing, go with everything, is somewhat affordable and very fashionable. But it inevitably comes up short (or long, or tight or baggy…). So we shop again. And again. And again. And then we wonder how we can own so many black skirts but still have nothing to wear.

Somewhat ironically, upgrading to a larger storage space for my wardrobe made me more selective with the clothing that I own. I started paying attention to what I actually have and what I really need to get by. My old closet was overflowing and overstuffed with clothes I didn’t need and didn’t even know I owned. I would say that about 75% of the clothes in my wardrobe I never wear, ever. I would also venture to say that most women are the same.

So how do we stop cramming our closets with stuff we won’t even wear? How do we become more selective about what we buy and save our money for things we are going to get real use out of? I think the answer may lie in how we go shopping. By recognizing that clothes are just something to wear and accepting that we can’t purchase perfection, we won’t project our dreams onto a new clothing item. Maybe we’ll realize that we don’t actually need a new blazer, that we can do without the latest handbag style and that 7 denim skirts is enough. Then perhaps we’ll actually have room to walk in our walk-in closets…

(This article originally appeared in The Jewish Press)

Are you ever overwhelmed by the sheer volume of clothes in your closet?