How the Media Talks about Israel

It's really a shame I don't keep my personal blog more active...or actually invest some time in making it better. I will. One Day. Today though, I am posting because it's just too damn long for a Facebook post, but it's a subject that is so personal to me. Not only as a Jewish woman, but as a student in the secular world, where the voice of #FreeGaza is so much louder than mine. Specifically thought, as a student and professional ("professional") of media. The strength of media and the news is so powerful these days. A bias or baseless catchy headline spreads faster than the Ebola virus, infecting thousands, if not millions, of readers.

No one is saying this better than Daniel Gordis in his article, "A Dose of Nuance: Can we please stop talking about ‘hasbara’ [public diplomacy]?"
He says, "And this is the problem: a Palestinian driver with a terrorist background (he had spent time in Israeli jail for terrorism, and was a family relation of a former head of Hamas’s military wing) plowed into a group of innocent pedestrians at a light rail stop, killing two people (a baby, Chaya Zissel Braun, who died just hours later, and 22-year-old Karen Yemima Mosquera, who succumbed to her wounds after several days) and wounding six others. When the driver tried to escape, he was shot and killed by police.

A horrible story, but a simple one.

Yet how did the international media report it? The initial AP headline, changed following an outcry, was “Israeli police shoot man in east Jerusalem.” Yes, you read that correctly. As far as the headline was concerned, the story was that Israeli police shot a guy. That he had tried to kill people, that he had intentionally run them over and wounded several of them grievously, that he was a known terrorist – all that was apparently irrelevant to the headline. All the initial AP headline chose to note was that “those Israelis” had shot another Palestinian." He goes on to say, "But it [Israel] is also viciously pilloried in the international press, as the response to last week’s horrific events make clear." To read the entire article please do: http://tinyurl.com/nxz36qe

It is so infuriating. It's starting to make me think about my choices in media, how I help brands (or maybe one day a country) tell their story. It is essential that we tell the truth, check sources, and inform others who may not know any better.

Keep Calm and Eat Falafel

Before the NY Stands with Israel Rally: 
As a young woman in NYC I often get looks when I walk down the street on any given day. I get comments on beauty and quite a few blessings, or on a great day a combo; "God bless you gorgeous". How I feel about that is a separate post. But today, I wondered if the comments I would receive might differ because of the shirt I'm wearing. It says, "Keep Calm and Eat Falafel. Consuming Falafels since 1948." The irony is I don't mind Falafels but I do dislike chummus and tahini. Anyways, its as close to "I support Israel" on t-shirt I have, so I wore it for the rally supporting Israel this afternoon.

Regardless of what happens as I wear it and walk around the city, I cannot believe how nervous I am.

As a Jewish modern woman I don't have any physical markings of a "Jew". I wear shorts and tank tops so a long skirt and long sleeves don't make me stand out (that's not why I wear shorts it's just my preference. Again, a different blog post which you can read here) I don't have to wear a kippa like men do which differentiate them from their gentile brothers. And I don't think I look particularly "Jewish", whatever that means. No "Jew nose"? Check. So wearing a shirt that at all directly lets the outside world know that I AM Jewish is a fairly new experience, especially with such a tense situation going on overseas. People have opinions but would I feel or hear any of them today? I hope I don't. That way I can tell myself how silly I'm being for being afraid or at all apprehensive about wearing this shirt."

This is the said shirt worn on Yom Haatzmaut 2013

After the Rally:... I am so proud about what I am going to share, and what I experienced, it shocks me. While there were some second glances, of which I didn't experience any outwardly anti Semitic (maybe they were thinking it) what I did get was amazing. Once I was at the rally I not only got second glances but smiles. Then I got questions about where I got this shirt. I got laughs and the most amazing was asked by random strangers to take a picture of the shirt (more than once). I was hesitant and nervous this morning, now I was proud. Not only is it a pro Israel shirt, but a humorous one which made me happy and proud to wear it. And the shirt I brought as a back up to change in to? It stayed right there, in my bag.

Coming back to New York

Ever since I came back from spending 5 weeks of my summer in Israel I have been experiencing something I’ve never experienced before. I’ve missed Israel before, I’ve had the desire to live there and then feel guilty when I return to my cozy life in North America. But this trip, this time something is different.

Since returning I have noticed how on edge I am. How the beginning roars of a car on the busy New York street sounds like the beginnings of a siren. I immediately pause my mind waiting to hear how the sound will continue, readying my body to run. The loud noise of multiple helicopters over my building and I wonder why they sound different. How are they different? “They should be the sound of fighter jets,” I think immediately. 

It takes a moment to remember that I am no longer in Israel, but I am back in the States. I am back in New York City. And that realization has brought on a new emotion I’ve never truly felt. I no longer feel safe. At least when I am in Israel, if anyone was attacking me because of where I lived or because I’m Jewish, I would be protected by the government, by the IDF, the most elite and sophisticated intelligence in the world (I believe). An army, frankly, that gives a shit about my life. A country that would gather around the mothers and fathers of teenagers who are captured and vow to bring justice. When I was in Israel people from North America would lovingly write with concern, “is it as bad as they say? Is it scary?” Maybe I’m naive but I have every faith in the IDF and in the miracle that is the Iron Dome. In Israel you do what you have to do in that moment, then you emerge and somehow try to go on with your day. You read the tweets and Secret Tel Aviv jokes to bring a moment of laughter in all this. You can look to any person on the street and know we are all the same and all understand one another. 

But here, back in New York, in a city I have loved, even though my mind relaxes and body muscles breath eventually, I remember that there is no one directing rockets at me here, I feel more afraid than ever. 

Monday Morning Mindfullness

It's a beautiful sunny Monday morning. It feels as though spring may finally be here. I've given myself the time to practice yoga this morning. Something I haven't done in a couple weeks (since Passover!) To work towards a goal of being fit, not just thin. To be healthy and mindful. I've taken precautions to try and stay on top of school work. I need improvement on the work work side of things but I am organized and will do my best. I want to put work out there that people, my company, and I can be proud of. I took this moment to observe my life.

Maybe it's the sun, maybe it was the yoga, maybe it's because the school semester, my first of graduate, is coming to a wrap up but I took a moment to really check in. 

I am living in New York City again. I'm in a school program I love and am learning from. I have a job to continue to develop my skills, and yes, make some side money to help. I am healthy. And most amazingly; a year ago, heck just 6 months ago, I was unhappy in my life situation. I felt stuck and lost. But I changed that. We have the power to change our lives. Nothing is impossible. 
Difficult? Yes. 
Seemingly impossible? Sure. 
But it can be done. The human mind and spirit are incredible things. With god's help we can change things. Whether it's yourself, your life, your job. Your happiness lies in one beings hands. Your own.

I wrote that all at around 11am this morning. It's not almost 4:30pm, and thankfully, that all still feels true. That's because it is and when I have a moment where it (aka life) feels out of control and lost, I can read this again and remember - I am grateful. 

Feeding the Deed

I know some people are annoyed with the whole "Feed the Deed" thing. They argue "why does anyone need to be nominated to do a good deed? We should just do good deeds everyday, all the time." While I agree the point is we don't do good deeds when we can. We walk by the homeless person, we don't help someone cross the street, we don't say Thank You enough to those that deserve it. Why do not do these things anymore? Lots of reasons. Chivalry is dead. We're all consumed in our personal devices. We no longer trust who is truly a homeless person in need and who is faking it for monetary gains. (Well, that's why I personally stopped giving money to people like that.)

I think there are two main, important, things that have come out of this viral sensation:
Josh Stern and Russel Citron were trying to prove that we could make something go viral for the good rather than the mindless drinking game that originally inspired the #feedthedeed.
http://www.samaritanmag.com/features/alcohol-fuelled-neknominations-replaced-feed-deed-kindness

The second, and probably the most important, is that once you go out of your way to do something go for someone else, it opens yours eyes to everyday, small opportunities we are presented with to do selfless acts of kindness.

My own Feed the Deed, which my brother in Israel nominated me, in New York, was when I went out that morning to get my regular Starbucks coffee then a Dunkin Donuts bagel. (Sorry, I think Dunkin's bagels are better but hate their coffee. Sue me!) I bought a box of assorted donuts and gave them to my doorman, the two handymen standing there, and told them to share it with any other staff.

After giving it to them I had this follow up video:

Now one week later I've noticed other small acts of kindness:
On the subway a woman with blue hair interrupted what was a peaceful ride, explaining that she was pregnant, homeless, and trying to get money for some food. The pessimist, New Yorker, jaded 21st century woman that I am partially doesn't believe her. But on the chance that she was being honest I decided to give her a dollar. While I'm a grad student living off a student loan, I have a roof over my head, that loan money in my bank account, and parents who treat me to shopping sprees, so I gave her a dollar.

Just now, a moment ago, after working for many hours at a Starbucks, I took a break to read and finish my People magazine from 2 weeks ago. (I have a subscription from the days when I was working full time.) Instead of throwing it out I saw a girl babysitting mindlessly (or seemingly mindless, no judgement) on her phone. I offered her the magazine and she was shocked and appreciative.

Would I have done this before? I'm a reasonably nice person but probably not. Our worlds have become closer together with globalization, international shipping, and Facebook. We can talk, see, and interact with people all over the world whether we know them or not. Yet at the same time we are further apart than ever; with our headphones on, our eyes glued to devices, and single apartments in large cities where you can go weeks without interacting with another human being.

Feed the Deed has opened my eyes, and hopefully the minds of others, to better see what is going on around us to everyday chances to do random acts of kindness. You don't have to be nominated, but it helps open up 1-4 people's eyes and minds to do good things for the people near and far in our lives.

in the defense of moving to New York

New York City is an amazing city. I remember visiting for a weekend when I was 17 with my parents just shopping, seeing the Empire State Building, and taking a ride along 5th Avenue in one of those man run buggy things. Then I came back a year and a half later to visit what would be my home for my undergraduate education, Stern College for Women, in midtown. Even after just over an accumulated 80 hours in the city I knew it was where I wanted to be. 

After my undergrad I moved back to Toronto which was not the easiest transition. At the time it was the right thing to do for many reasons. It was nice to live in a quiet suburban area, much less smelly, driving everywhere, and seeing friends I never had enough time to visit when I would come home for weeks at a time. I always felt like I never had enough time. After 7 years of not living at home, to feel settled and calm was not only enjoyable, but necessary. 

You can get home by subway or inexpensive cabs. Those two words by the way (inexpensive & cab) never go next to each other in Toronto.

A few months while I was settled, I wasn't sure where to go from there. Then I got a promotion at work to become the social media manager and there was talks of me launching a blog for them. I was doing work I loved. Part time. 6 months passed after that promotion and I realized it was never going to become my full time job there so I started thinking about my plan. Where did I want to go from here? Was I as happy as I could be?

At the same time I had a life. Well, tried to have a life. One group of my friends I like to call my "marrieds". These are a great group of friends that got married at fairly young ages, many of whom have children. Yes, I said children, as in multiple. While that's great for them, that's not the path of life I'm currently on. 

Toronto has such a lack of life for single people that your entire definition of happiness is based on your relationship status. 

Then I have my single friends and even those splinter into a two categories, and I love both for different reasons. One side is more religious and the other are not observant at all, or are extremely traditional. Personally, I’m somewhere in the middle. For the kind of man I’m looking for there just isn’t a core, central, area in Toronto where those type of people live. The rent is very high and it makes more sense for people to live at home. But when you live at home no one can go out and socialize as easily. Toronto specifically has a very happening downtown scene, sure, but how do we all get back to the suburbs? Someones gotta drive. And often, I found, that we are all on our schedules, and although horrible for the environment, we would end up taking more cars than necessary. This leads to everyone not being able to have a drink because, hey, we all gotta drive home. Whereas in New York it is extremely social in this scene to go for a drink after work, to catch up, or go party. You can get home by subway or inexpensive cabs. Those two words by the way (inexpensive & cab) never go next to each other in Toronto. Like, ever. New York’s rent might be outrageous but you’re paying for your location. 

Now, this post is not to bash Toronto. I could mention ways I love Toronto, and I think I have a little bit, what I’m trying to convey, specifically to the Jewish Toronto community, is that not every girl (or guy, but let’s face it, mostly girls) moves out of Toronto simply to get married. I know that’s what you’re all thinking. And I know it because I used to think it. “Oh, poor thing. There are no men for her here,” or God forbid, “she’s dated all the guys here and there is no one, so she had to move.” Until I became so unhappy in so many aspects of my life Toronto that I HAD to move. 

Toronto has such a lack of life for single people that your entire definition of happiness is based on your relationship status. If you’re single in Toronto you are unhappy or lost. I’m beginning to realize that that is not my fault. It’s Toronto’s. It’s our communities. This is not the singular thing that defines a person. It certainly shouldn’t define me. And I refuse to let it. So I moved. Not just because I’m single and feel like there is no body for me to date in Toronto. (Which, yes, I feel is true.) But because New York, simply put, has a thriving, large, religious, yet modern, Jewish community. I get to meet people I didn't go to elementary, high school, university, and camp with. (Yes, those are all the same circles and people.) Again, I love those people, I’m still extremely close with many people in those circles, but sometimes we need more. We need to meet new people. We need to experience new things. Why should a single girl live out an unfulfilling, boring life in one place when there is a new and exciting opportunity somewhere else? It doesn’t have to be New York, it just happens to be in my case. 

P.S. There are other reasons I moved but I think that would have to be for another time if people care. 

Pinky's Perfect Nails

One of my best girlfriends wanted to take me to this nail place she heard does serious nail art for my birthday. I love her but she tends to suck at getting plans together. For those of you who don't know; my birthday is in July. Can you guess when we made it to Pinky's? January.

Despite the 7 month delay I am so glad we finally went!

Pinky's is located just off of Queen St W but a slight pain in the ass to find/park, especially in -5C weather. It's the lower level down the staircase of unmarked (besides the #688) building amongst the downtown homes. The girls were really cool and nice, joining in in our conversation. The room is a large industrial space with the chic and eclectic vibe I dig.

I stuck with the Pinterest inspiration I saw online months ago which the manicurist claims is actually originally a Pinky's image. Whether that's true or not I loved it. We changed mine a little bit but here they are back to back!

        

                             

If you're looking for a fun girl night's out activity I would definitely recommend this place! The manicure costed $48.00 which is definitely pricier than a typical manicure but look at that details! There were no stickers here, everything was hand painted. 

Mine lasted pretty well overall. The studs were the first things to go but all in all I would do it again. It was a cool way to accessorize. I see now why celebs have taken to this fashion. While I won't do it every day I will definitely do it again. Now I gotta find somewhere in NYC. 

Would you do this? If so, what kind?

Day 11: Anthro top/dress with Jeans!

When standing in the dressing room trying on this top at Anthropologie I followed my own rule; think of 3 different ways I could wear this piece.

1. the way I was wearing it in the dressing room - with just black opaque tights and I imagined wearing my black suede booties. (I cannot wait to wear this outfit!)

2.  with my pleather pants which has effectively been nixed when I tried it on in real life. Luckily I tried it with my lulul leggings and loved it. Comfy and cute. No reason you can't be both! (All you need are the right pieces in your closet)

3. now with jeans. In my head I thought this would work but once my pleather pants failed me I wasn't so sure. Wearing it now I have to say I like it. Wearing pants underneath skirts/tunics is something I did in the early 2000s living in Israel but has been trending ever so slightly on the runways and on red carpets lately.

Here you see Nicole Richie rocking it, Emma Thompson taking it black tie and a huge blog inspiration The Man Repeller herself, Leandra!

 

So I'm having a go at it. It's not quite as dramatic as Leandra's look but sometimes we have to creep into trends lightly...and realistically. What better time to dip into a trend then during a Fashion Challenge?

Day 10: Same old Sweatshirt

Yes, I am wearing this damn Drama Queen sweatshirt again. I know you're all sick of it but let me defend it.
A. It is so cold outside and this top is so much warmer than the blouse I was supposed to wear. So tough.
B. I really wanted to wear my pleather pants at least once and they look bitchin with the sweatshirt.

I also added another necklace, which apparently is so heavy it's hurting my neck, but it changes up the outfit a little bit. I really wanted a chance to wear this sweatshirt with my leather skirt tucked in mullet style. Ya know, half tucked in in the front and the back hanging out. It looks cool. If I hadn't packed the skirt I'd put it on, take a pic, and post what I mean. There will be many more chances to do that outfit in New York!

It's coming down to the wire and I've laid out my outfits and accessories for Friday, Saturday, Sunday and my flight date Monday. Everything else is packed/squeezing their way into my bags.

Stay fashionable and practical!

p.s. notice anything different in these pics?? My packing zone is significantly cleaner! Proud?

Days 8 & 9

Time seems to be slipping through my fingers and crawling at the same time. Which is difficult. And confusing.

Yesterday I wore my skinny jeans with my T layered with my chambray top unbuttoned. I read somewhere that you can use your chambray top unbuttoned and treat it like a cardigan. I used to have 50 cardigans but within a year they're out. I hardly find the need or style to wear them anymore. So I tried this and I liked it. It was comfortable and layering is essential in this frigid cold, storm, polar vortex weather we are experiencing here. 

What I learned yesterday and today is that accessories can help change up an outfit. The same boring thing I've worn multiple times can be seen in a new light with a change of accessory. 

Yesterday I added this great J.Crew necklace I got during the holiday season. It can easily be worn with fancy dresses as well as T shirts like so. 

Today my plaid dress, which I have only worn to shul (synagogue) once with opaque black tights and suede booties. (Loved it and sadly no one was there to admire. Womp womp.) Since I was doing work and seeing friends before I move, I wanted to casual down the dress.

I topped it with this little news paperboy, houndstooth in brown, gold rings, black on black houndstooth tights (as you can see in the pic it's hard to see the houndstooth at all) and leather boots. It has a real London feel to me. My friend that saw me said it looked like a grown up version of the school uniforms we wore in elementary school but I take it as a compliment. Plaid is very in this season and I for one am loving it.

I know the Jews are all gonna see this look and think, "she looks married," (based on the tradition for married women to cover their hair) but no, I am not married however I do like to wear hats. Don't do it often because I don't want people to think I'm married but today is just too bad. It looks cute (I think so) and yes, it's not a great hair day. Voila! I put a hat on and I look put together and my hair doesn't look half bad. Sue me. 

I do have to say the dress is pretty skin tight. I'm amazed I could zip it up myself....and let's just say going to the washroom isn't simple. It's from Zara for anyone interested. The hem was actually falling in the back and they had it altered and fixed free of charge. Good customer service in that respect so shout out to them! 

Recap Days 5, 6, and 7

Saturday I wore the grey dress and it was very cute and comfortable. I didn't do anything Saturday night so no outfit to post regarding that.

Sunday I wore this new black and white really long top/very short dress thing from Anthropologie. I love it even though it's not very flattering. It's cool and I'm hoping it can be worn a few ways. For Sunday I decided to wear it with my leggings because a. it was comfortable b. it's cold out c. I actually tried it with my pleather leggings which I thought would look great but it did not. My pleather leggings are too shiny or something. They just didn't quite work with the top. I was also wearing my suede knee-high boots (not pictured) which added another nice texture to the look.
       

Today I'm definitely starting to feel the "challenge" aspect of this. I'm tired of looking at the same options and I haven't been in the mood for my blouse. A piece I typically love to wear! I'm wearing my day 2 look (Drama Queen sweatshirt with leggings). I'm comfortable and in sort of a funky mood where I just want to be in PJs all day. But PJs in public are frowned upon. Apppparently. Not sure how I'm going to make it for the next 4 weekdays. On the plus side - 1 week until I move to NY. More on that in a different post!

Day 4: T and Pleather Skirt

I was kind of excited to keep a T shirt in the mix cause I thought it would be a good layering piece...problem is I didn't have anything to layer it with that works with the skirt. I wanted to wear an outfit I could wear all day, including Friday Night Dinner at my friend's place tonight for Shabbat. The T could be cool with the leather jacket on top....but with the pleather skirt on the bottom it looked like a bad leather suit. But in light of the challenge I am just going to be cold for today. Which says a lot because it is something like -18 C outside here in Toronto.

Basically, I decided to make my coffee at home rather than drive to the nearest Starbucks.

I won't be able to take a pic tomorrow but I'll recap Saturday night/Sunday. Wish me luck!

New Year, New Life

There's a very clear gap in my posts which up until now are from February 2013. Pathetic? Yes. Have a good reason? I think so.


Just over a year ago I was promoted to be a company's social media manager. A position I didn't even know existed up until a couple years ago. Then they wanted to launch a blog which was perfect for me since I loved to blog and write. But when the blog launched in February, my personal blogging took a back seat. I was sad because I missed blogging but was still happy since I was doing it professionally. The job opened me up to a whole new reality.
[Shameless plug. Check out Jewish Wedding Blog for everything Jewish wedding related! http://blog.ketubah.com/]


Thoughts and dreams began to bubble about going back to school not for television and screenwriting as I had originally imagined but perhaps in this new field. The potential jobs and future were exciting and intriguing. When I started looking into schools that offered that type of education I thought, "hmm, if I'm going back to school why wouldn't I try and move back to New York?" I took it a step further and looked to see if any programs had Spring 2014 acceptance, rather than waiting an entire year to start in the Fall of 2014. After a lot of research I found a couple amazing programs that felt impossible to get in to. I closed my eyes, worked hard on essays, begging teachers for speedy letters of recommendation, and voila. By November 1st I had applied to two programs with a back up plan forming, assuming I wouldn't get into either program.

Long story short (I know, that's hard for me) I actually got in to The New School for Public Engagement in New York City to get my M.S. in Media Management. The campus is so cool, modern, and edgy. Many things I do not think I am enough of. But I'm going to fake it hoping someone will buy it. That has been the hardest part for me personally. Believe it.

Obviously a part of me thought I was good enough to get in. I wrote the Statement of Purpose essay, and truly meant it. I felt desperate to get in. It was my only way out of Toronto. Don't get me wrong, Toronto is great, but if you love New York City, there is no comparison. If you hate NYC...well then, I can't help you. Or understand you. Or be friends with you.

When life changes, when you actively make a change to the direction your life is going in, it's incredible to be totally present. Most of these moments slip by us and we never truly experience them. Now, I'm seeing maybe that's for the best. I feel so in the moment, so aware of what is happening (and changing) that I cannot wrap my head around it. It's crazy. I am moving back to NYC. I will get 2-3 more years there and that is such an incredible opportunity. I am getting a second chance there and I plan to take full advantage!

Day 3: Jean on Jean

Today I'm running some errands and working from home/Starbucks. When I worked in an office it was pretty casual so I would have worn the same thing as I am right now. For others that have more formal offices...well, I'm sorry. Sometimes it's great to get to dress up but being able to wear jeans to work is pretty great.

I wasn't sure if I liked the whole "jean on jean" trend but I think you can make it work in the real world. I'm wearing my ombre chambray top with my skinny jeans. The key with making this outfit work I think it the two different textures and color variations.

I realize the first couple days of outfits are not going to be as interesting, it's really when we get to next week when I have already worn pieces and need to repeat. Or when I hit a day I'm just not "feeling". So far so good!

please continue to excuse the slight mess going on in the background. This happens to be my packing central zone and my only full length mirror :/

Day 2: Sweatshirt and Leggings

I decided at the beginning of this that PJs didn't count as items so when I woke up and went downstairs I realized I wasn't wearing any of my 14 items so I went back up and decided to change into the closest items to PJs. For a day staying in and watching the Winter Classic what could be better than my lulu lemons and Drama Queen sweatshirt. I was comfy all day but not embarrassed at all to leave my house or if I friend would drop by.

I did realize one thing that was going to be a challenge: staying clean! I almost stained this essential piece when I dropped some guacamole on it. Luckily it seems to have come out - phew!

Day 2 Done!

Day 1: A Dress

For the first day I decided to wear my brand new Anthropologie dress. I was going to work and I think this dress is perfect for that and can be taken from day to night with some sparkly jewelry. It's very modestly covering you up but is still incredibly flattering with the cut and placement of the stripes. The fabric is so comfortable!

For Day: I wore winter boots.
For Night: I would change into black heels, add a cocktail ring, throw on a lip, maybe some big earrings, and voila you've got a night look.

Please excuse the mess in the background. Just proves everything is packed...or attempting to get into the bag. 

The 14 Day Fashion Challenge

We've all had this; we're going away and need to limit our packing. For me right now it's sort of the opposite problem. I'm moving back to New York City in 14 days and have to pack as much as possible but what will I wear for the next 2 weeks if everything is packed? 

What started off as a very full clothing rack of winter and fall clothes has been whittled down to 14 pieces. All the others are packed or in the closet to be brought to NY on my next trip in a month. I realized as I was narrowing it down that this is a great exercise for women to do! As you do this you start to realize which pieces you can really wear in multiple ways and truly what your favorite pieces are. You start to see how impractical or simply "out" certain items can be.

An editor in InStyle gave a tidbit of advice I (try to) follow when shopping and looking at an item or accessory: Name 3 ways you can wear this piece. And if it's more expensive - try to come up with 6 ways. That really came into play in this experiment. 

So here are the pieces I've chosen to work with:

1. Black leather jacket
If it was summer I'd probably go with jean but since I'm on the east coast it's pretty damn cold. A great leather jacket can be worn in a multitude of ways. Hopefully I'll get a lot of use out of it because this piece falls under the "6 ways to wear" rule I had to come up with. It was that expensive. 

Lafayette 148 from Winners.

Tops 

2. A T shirt
I had a bunch of Ts to choose from but I thought this one could be worn a few different ways because of the color and the season. Even though it's -10C outside a T is good to layer, especially when travelling or going to an office and you're not sure what the temperature of a room or plane might be. 

Breast Cancer Awareness. 

3. A blouse
You could do any blouse, white, black, or patterned like this one. 

H n M.

4. A sweatshirt. 
So this one was a little risky but I had a few sweaters/sweatshirts to choose from. I thought this would be a good item to have since it is cold and some days I just want to be in sweats without actually being in sweats. 

Zara.

5. Button down/Chambray Top. 
Chambray is kind of a trendy thing but I love it. It's a piece that goes with so many different bottoms and can be layered. I'm a little obsessed with mine which I call my ombre chambray top.

Old Navy.

Bottoms

6. Jeans.
I've chosen the only pair I have which are dark wash skinny jeans. I think these are the most flattering and versatile. I know some people reading this might be women that might not wear pants so I would say you could do the exact same thing with a jean skirt instead!

Gap.

7. Pleather Pants.
I probably could have done without these but I still wanted to give myself options. Another super trendy piece but I really like wearing them and they are easy to dress up or down. If you don't wear pants I'd consider doing a leather/pleather skirt instead (which is my #9.)

Mendocino.

8. Leggings.
I don't care who says leggings aren't pants. If they are thick enough they are. Tights are not pants but leggings are. And my G_d do I love them. Especially this time of year. I had to keep a pair of leggings. If you don't wear pants I would wear an American Apparel skirt or any other similar black stretchy skirt as an equivalent.

Lulu Lemon.

9. Leather Skirt.
I needed at least one skirt in this experiment. I actually like wearing skirts. However in the winter they always mean tights or something underneath, which is why I felt I could pack my jean skirts. A great leather skirt can be worn tons of ways of which I hope to share and come up with over the next two weeks.

Aretz Originals.

Dresses

You'll see I have 4 dresses chosen for my remaining items and I'm not sure how much versatility I'll get out of them but I keep Shabbat and needed dresses so we'll see how handy those are or what I mistake I made.

    



                                                   

Hypothesis: (ps I can't even believe I remember the word hypothesis since I haven't used it since 8th grade science class with Mr. Franken.)
One thing I suspect is I'll have a hard time finding an outfit I'm "in the mood for " or "feeling that day." Which is a woman's #1 inability to put clothing on in the morning. "I don't have anything." This should be interesting.