In American English a jumper is a sleeveless, collarless dress that you wear over a blouse, shirt or knitted top. In British English, a jumper is a pullover, or what Americans call a sweater. South Africans call this a jersey (and use “sweater” to describe a knitted long sleeved T). I call an American jumper a pinafore, and have a love-hate relationship with the item after being forced to wear one as part of a school uniform for 12 years.

When I used the word “pinafore” in the States I got blank stares. I used the word “jumper”, meaning sweater, and got equally confused looks. But I can’t get used to the American usage because a jumper will always be an item of knitwear in my mind. So, I now use “dress” when I mean pinafore. I use the words “pullover” and “cardigan” when I’m referring to knitwear. I keep the word “jumper” for home.

After a whirlwind trip to Tel Aviv and Hong Kong, the last part of my forum challenge takes us to London, one of my very favourite Euro cities.

You’ll see it all on the streets of London. From sweat pants and sneakers to the most lavish of designer outfits and everything in between. But generally, people are well put together in an interesting, urban and funky way. When I think of London street style, I think of daring outfit combinations, interesting layers, vintage items, retro looks, lots of black and fabulous accessories. It’s not a crisp, chic and polished sense of style like you’ll see in HK. It’s much more gritty, punk, arty and goth, with loads of attitude to boot.

Click pictures to enlarge

So this is my take on everyday London style: black-black skinny jeans, Greg’s Ben Sherman graphic T, a pinstripe suit jacket, strappy metallic sandals, cream cross-body bag and vintage pearl necklace. I couldn’t resist adding my retro Duran Duran cross-body bag as an alternative. It’s irreplaceable because I bought it at one of their concerts several years ago (Duran Duran is my favourite band of all time).

This outfit was a challenge because I never wear three black items at once, and I never wear T-shirts. I don’t even wear fitted T’s, and here I am in one of Greg’s that’s boxy all over. This is the type of unexpected pairing of clothing that reminds me of London style. Kate Moss does this all the time. It simply wouldn’t be as interesting if I’d chosen a ladies fitted graphic T. But the boxy silhouette works under the fitted jacket and gives the effect of a voluminous top so I was all over this look. Rolling up the sleeves to show the lining of the jacket added necessary textural interest.

I’d absolutely feel confident sporting this outfit because the jacket and jeans are tailored and the pearls are present. Like the combinations I put together for Tel Aviv and Hong Kong, this one extended my boundaries and added something new to my repertoire. So, for the last time, how did I do?

For part 2 of my forum challenge we’re flying to the city that’s closest to my heart. It’s home because I was born there 39 years ago today.

Hong Kong street style is something else. You’ll see haute couture fashions sported effortlessly by men and women of all ages throughout the day. From the best of modern-classic style to the funkiest and edgiest looks. Outfits are for the most part urban, dressy, neutrally toned, texture-rich, branded and brimming with character.

One of the things that I love about Hong Kong street style is that the locals dress up when they go out to play. You look the part wearing a fancy outfit to a hip restaurant for cocktails and supper. So my outfit is a take on what someone might wear to a fairly swanky restaurant. Although you wouldn’t be surprised to see this combination on a shopper in the high end Landmark shopping center, even during the day.

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The dress is a strappy sequined vintage number that I bought in HK several years ago. The jacket is Diesel and 10 years old, completely tailored to fit like a glove. The gold and leather chain cross-body bag and bracelet are pukka Chanel, received as gifts from friends in HK many years ago. The retro red patent pumps are Kate Spade and a gift from my sweetie four birthdays ago. And I couldn’t resist the 80’s Wayfarers because at this stage I want to wear them with everything.

This outfit was a challenge because it’s the first time I’ve worn a super casual jacket over a very glitzy dress (a very Hong Kong combination). I’d have normally popped a satin trench or wool coat over this number. I also NEVER wear gold hardware or jewelry because I’m a platinum gal through and through and do not mix metals. These beautiful Chanel pieces have been hibernating for 15 years for this reason. But I’m glad I took them out of their box and left off the pearls. The outfit still feels like me because of the shoes and frock and I’m actually digging the gold. So how did I do?

The commercial capital of Israel is a modern, energetic, eclectic and in parts pretty gritty, urban city. Bauhaus buildings, high-tech sky scrapers, upmarket restaurants, fabulous cafes, arty quarters, shopping centers, bustling nightlife and golden beaches grace the shores of a breathtaking Mediterranean Sea. There is lots to like about this wonderful Middle Eastern city.

Tel Aviv is not a religious hub like Jerusalem and this is clearly reflected in the street style of its inhabitants. Modesty is not the norm and trendy fashion is prevalent on every street corner. Generally, the people of Tel Aviv dress casually, but with loads of sass, edge and Middle Eastern twist. The city and it’s street style reminds me a bit of Barcelona. In a nutshell, this is what I saw:

• Long, long hair: Curly, layered or straight – you name it and we saw it, worn loose most of the time. Israelis are often dark and exotic looking, but occasionally you’d see a fair skinned redhead or dark blonde walk by. Needless to say I did not look remotely local.
• Sunglasses: The biggest fashion accessory of all.
• Knitted tops, knitted tops and more knitted tops: This is the city of knits. I can count the number of woven tops that I saw on two hands, which includes the ones that I wore. Cool, clingy, cotton jersey tops with intricate draping and ruching details reigned supreme. Quite Grecian and arty in silhouette.
• Flashdance style: Several women sported the Irene Cara single bare-shouldered look. An interesting 80’s influence amidst a strong ethnic mood.
• Knitted dresses: Semi-ruffled, knee-length or shorter wrap and Roman inspired styles in body hugging, cotton-rich knits were everywhere. A good solution for a hot weather.
• Leggings: A city that prefers knits makes leggings a no-brainer. They were either worn with tunics and denim jackets and gladiators, or on their own with tiny tops. You had to see it to believe it. Tel Aviv street style oozes positive body image.
• Skinny Jeans: 95% of the denim was skinny or straight.
• Harem pants: If this look is going to fly anywhere, it’s in the Middle East. Trendy stores were full of every conceivable variation of this type of silhouette: knitted, woven, solid, patterned, striped, long, short and even jumpsuit form. Lasses were sporting this vibe on the streets too. I’m not a fan of the trend, but it didn’t look half as bad once a pretty Israeli girl with long cascading curly hair added a tight top, denim jacket and killer gladiators. The ethnic flavour of the silhouette worked well in this geographical location. It just goes to show that different styles work in different parts of the world.
• Harem jeans: It’s the first time I’ve seen this item and it’s awful. Baggy harem styling does not work in rigid denim with five pockets and topstitching. Women in these looked like they were wearing nappies. Not so fab.
• Gladiators and thong sandals: Heavenly. It was the number one type of shoe on the street and in stores. I adore this look and enjoyed seeing it worn to perfection. The new sandal bootie also came out to play.
• Flip flops: The cheap, rubbery kind was pretty common on men, women and children. There is no getting away from the epidemic, especially since Tel Aviv lies on a beach. But I’m pleased to say that they were not the norm.
• Ballet flats, flat knee-high boots and Converse: Women were wearing these if they weren’t wearing gladiators, thong sandals or flip flops.
• Scarves: After sunglasses, linen and cotton scarves were the next most popular accessory. Loved it.
• Ethnic jewelry: Tel Aviv style is not glitzy. Jewelry is earthy, natural and avant-garde, which works well with the casual style of dress. It’s not the type of place you’d expect to find people wearing retro Chanel-esque chunky pearls.
• Neutrals: Women predominantly wore grey, taupe, white, black and all sorts of other natural, murky mid tones. Very few brights.
• Matte: Leather was seldom shiny and usually deliberately dull and weathered-looking. This also worked well with the ethnic and arty integrity of Tel Aviv style.
• Large tote bags and slings: As in most cities, it’s all about practical totes and cross body bags.
• Cleavage and bare mid riffs: Slim or curvy, Tel Aviv women proudly show lots of skin. Most of the time it was appropriately alluring, which impressed me no end. Woman generally look natural, avoid wearing loads of makeup, sport flat shoes and dress casually. That coupled with oodles of self assurance makes cleavage work.

My take on Tel Aviv street style is positive even though it’s very different to my own look. People are hip and stylish in a low-key and relaxed kind of a way. No gear, no slobs, and lots of attitude. Fabulous.

Leggings, skinnies, cross body bags, weathered totes, sunglasses, scarves, thong sandals, wedges, Converse and knitted tops till the cows come home.

A knitted dress with lots of cleavage, flat riding boots, one of the few woven tops I saw with a scarf, a bare-shouldered look “Flashdance” style, more leggings, skinnies and large totes. Lots of knitted tops.

Micro-check skinnies, short shorts, gladiators and more leggings, knitted tops, large totes, sunglasses and cleavage. Colours are earthy and hair is very long.

A good example of casual ethnic jewelry, usually made of wood, resin or leather. I grew accustomed to seeing this type of accessory with super long, wavy hair.

Greg and I recently returned from a brilliant holiday in Israel. We visited close friends Shirley and Iftah, who were born and bred in the suburbs of Tel Aviv. I’ve visited Israel before, but I saw the country with fresh eyes this time round. Having savvy and spirited local tour guides, who happen to be fabulous friends, was extra special.

Israel is a small country which makes it easy to cover a lot of ground in a short space of time. So we took several short road trips through all types of terrain: from the walled city of Old Jerusalem, the ruins of Caesarea and the salty cliffs and desert of the Dead Sea, to the leafy hills of the Golan Heights, the pretty shores of the Sea of Galilee, and the bustling urban pulse of Tel Aviv. In short, Israel is a complete cultural mind blow.

Personal style is as diverse as the terrain, and the extent to which people observe religion comes through loud and clear in what they wear. Ultra orthodox Jewish women take modesty to an extreme, covering up from head to toe in conservative long skirts, long sleeved tops, closed flat shoes, hose and headgear. Less orthodox women are still quite covered up, but their clothes are more modern and colourful. Secular Israeli Jewish women, on the other hand, are super trendy and far less modest, with a style that reminds me of Southern Europe.

The most striking thing is that you’ll see ALL levels of modesty at once. Unless you’re in an ultra-orthodox area, it’s common to see someone completely covered up alongside someone sporting tons of cleavage in a form fitting mini dress. The widely varying degrees of traditional and modern attire throughout the country makes for a unique street style experience. It really hits home how modest dress means different things in different parts of the world.

This sort of contrast is evident in so many aspects of Israel. A thriving high tech sector surrounded by ancient artifacts, beautifully barren desert just hours away from lush Mediterranean coastline, the struggling, recently nomadic Bedouins living on the outskirts of a modern city, and normal day to day life in the shadow of the social, economic and political turmoil of the region. It was a fascinating experience and we look forward to exploring more of Israel and the Middle East.

Tomorrow: Street style in Tel Aviv, with pictures.

Impressions of Israel: We took more than a thousand pictures in 8 days. These ones capture just a few of the moments. An old man with his donkey in Jerusalem, a funky scooter in old Tel Aviv, the most delectable pastries you can imagine, a traditional Israeli breakfast in Metula, paparazzi at work outside a star studded event, and the remains of an ancient underground Jewish cemetery in the Bet She’Arim national park.

We’ve just returned from eight days of work and play in the Big Apple. We had a fabulous time and have lots to share. Welcome to New York week at YLF!

Winter in NYC can be nasty. Temperatures were predominantly below freezing, ranging from 12 to 36 degrees Fahrenheit (-11 to 3 Celsius). Days were either filled with brilliant sunshine, or snow, ice and slush. Despite the bitter cold, most people were pretty stylish. I’ll admit that you’ll see it all in Manhattan on any given day. From woman dressed in sweat pants, running shoes and Uggs, to those adorned in designer brands from head to toe. But generally, there are strong Manhattan style trends and my impressions are as follows:

• Black, black and more black: It’s not a myth. New Yorkers wear a lot of black. Black outwear, clothing, accessories and footwear reigned supreme. If it wasn’t black, it was brown, dark grey or some other neutral. Occasionally, crimson or bordeaux cropped up but that was it. There was very little Winter white or colour of any description. Street fashion in Manhattan during the Winter months is very dark.
• Boots: Both casual and dressy, boots were hands down the most common form of footwear. Knee-high boots worn over jeans, leggings and slacks or with skirts was popular because it’s extremely practical. Ankle boots and Uggs were also big and so were adorable wellington boots on wet slushy days. Heels on footwear were generally low or flat. Occasionally, you’d see a three-inch heeled boot or pump walk by but not often. I was relieved to see that athletic sneakers were in the minority, but my mind boggled when I saw the odd lass in sockless ballet flats. In frost biting temperatures, I just don’t get it.
• Wool Coats and Puffers: Tailored puffer coats were as popular as wool coats and the overall aesthetic was stylish and put together. Most coats were knee-length but extra long coats were abundant too. The “walking sleeping bag look”, or ankle-length puffer coat was not uncommon. Not so fab, but I’ll bet super warm.
• Knitwear and lightweight jackets: Both men and woman wore these layers under their coats. The extra layer is warm and made for a structured and polished look once coats came off indoors.
• Pants and skirts: Most woman wore pants, slacks and jeans, but I saw women in skirts and dresses too. Nice.
• Accessories: Scarves, headgear and gloves were not only an absolute necessity but quite the fashion statement. Virtually everyone wore Winter accessories in all shapes and forms. Ear muffs were also popular as were sunglasses when the sun came out. I spotted several pairs of 80’s inspired legwarmers worn over leggings and jeans. It looked really sweet. Excellent idea! I was envious of the look.
• Oversized Totes: Huge handbags are usually the norm in cities where people commute on foot or with public transport. I don’t think I saw anyone with a small bag during the day.
• Real Fur: There was plenty of real fur on the streets. Women were either decked out in fur from head-to-toe or embraced it as a trim on coats and accessories.

This is the second time I’ve visited NYC in the dead of Winter and my fashion and style perceptions are much the same. People do not generally wear athletic gear when they go about their day and that’s a style blessing. For those of you who have visited, or lived in Manhattan, what’s your take on New York Style? Tomorrow I’ll give you a rundown of what I wore while I was there so stay tuned.

Update: Wendy just pointed us to this New York Times slideshow that does a wonderful job of capturing Manhattan street style in the slush and snow.

People in this city take personal presentation very seriously. Men and women of all ages are, for the most part, extremely well put together. They aren’t afraid to dress up, look smart or take fashion risks. You will see all the personas represented, from modern-classics and retro fashionistas, to funky bohemians and arty eclectics.

The weather was warm, but Autumn all the same. For the locals it was time to haul out Autumn fashions and the following looks were all the rage:

• Monochromatic palettes: Black, cream, white, metallics and grey textured ensembles were by far the most popular look. Colour was predominantly represented through accessories, footwear and handbags. Bright tops and jackets were in the minority, which was surprising to me. Perhaps locals shared my current neutral mood in the light of a changing season.
• Leggings with voluminous tunic tops, skirts and frocks: There were vast quantities of leggings – black and grey, short and long. Jewel-encrusted and lace detailing were popular. It’s an easy, comfortable and cost effective look that’s perfect for the HK climate. Also a big hit in Paris this spring, it’s interesting how leggings never gained as much popularity in the US.
• Skinnies and clamdiggers with blousy tops: One of my favourite looks and one I wore each day while I was there. There were loads of neck-tie blouses, lantern sleeves, empire cuts and tops with tiered hems. Blue denim skinnies and straight legs were the preference, but black and grey were popular too. I was inspired by the dark grey skinnies look and got myself a high-waisted pair at French Connection. I counted a total of six women in wide-legged pants all week.
• Layering T’s with voluminous cardis and shrugs: Funky embellished T-shirts worn under textured knits was a uniform with the younger crowd.
• Miniskirts, frocks and short-shorts with slouchy boots and booties: Mid-thigh skirts and short-shorts were everywhere (bare-legged, or with textured hose). The look was worn with calf-high or knee-high boots for extra coverage. Rugged biker boots and booties were also common and Dr Martens are definitely making a comeback.
• Cropped anoraks: lightweight, sporty anoraks with retro design details were abundant. I was inspired and brought back a little black trapeze style with a sporty cream stripe. It was put straight into circulation the moment I got it.
• Knee socks with heels and flats: A sweet school girl look that was seen on older women too.
• Non-black neutral footwear: Black footwear was not as prevalent as grey, metallic, pewter, cream, brown and tan footwear. Enthused, I miraculously found two pairs of comfy grey peds (over-the-knee flat slouchy boots, and studded patent one-inch chunky heels).
• Converse: It’s the number one casual shoe on the street. Both men and women wore black, grey, blue or white Chuck Taylors as if their lives depended on it.
• Large totes: most men and woman carry a large handbag during the day and many of them are designer.
• Accessories: generally, everyone was wearing either one, or all of the following: oversized watches, muffler scarves, chunky necklaces, sunglasses and funky eyewear. Cell phone ornaments are a must when you live in HK (more on that later).

Far fewer people wore jeans. Leggings, skirts, frocks and short-shorts were more popular at this time of year. This encouraged my purchase of two fab Autumn dresses (a solid black 60’s go-go frock, and a retro 50’s style in a Winter floral).

Effortlessness is what makes HK streetwear especially stylish. You wouldn’t expect this from a society that commutes on foot and in public transport, and spends time in hot, crowded places. Dressing well in HK is expected. It’s a killer fashion culture that I find exhilarating whenever I’m in town.

(1) Chunky pearl necklace and an all black ensemble. (2) Miniskirt, ruffled sling bag, grey pullover, slouchy boots. (3) Voluminous tunic with leggings, stacked gladiators, chestnut handbag.

(1) Black skinnies, sleek knitwear, pumps, designer handbag, chunky neclace. (2) Clamdiggers, blousy top, neutral tan pumps, olive hobo handbag. (3) Short-shorts, voluminous animal print blouse, knee socks, distressed flats, oversized tote.

(1) “The” slouchy boot look, worn with frocks, skirts and short-shorts. (2) Mid-heel olive green pumps (one to two inch heels were the most popular heel height for daytime). (3) Funky Dr Martens (worn with a mini dress in this case).

(1) Wide-legged pants, cream necktie blouse, slouchy tan hobo handbag. (2) Skinny faded jeans, voluminous tiered blouse, designer patent handbag. (3) Skinny distressed jeans, T-shirt, moto jacket, oversized man-bag, cap, beaded bracelet, oversized watch (and Converse that you can’t see). Cool dude! (4) Skirt over leggings, knitted top, muffler scarf, chunky heeled pumps, frame handle handbag.

All five of the cities below share a common characteristic: the style quotient is high amongst men and women of all ages and lifestyles. From professionals bustling to work, to SAHM’s pushing prams, and to older folk enjoying retired life. It’s very apparent that people who live in these cities enjoy style, fashion and looking great every day.

1. Hong Kong: My clear overall winner. People take immense pride in how they present themselves and the result is mind blowing. Hong Kong style is as polished, chic, creative, fashion-forward and as beautiful as it gets. You’ll see wearable couture mixed with inexpensive product effortlessly walking down the street. It’s “the” people-watching fashion city and I am left with the same impression each time we visit.
2. London: As far as Euro-style goes, Londoners do it best. There is a funky, artsy and mismatched retro element to the city’s style that’s unique. It’s edgy, urban, super trendy and tasteful. People don’t look particularly polished, but are always interesting, current, well put together and appropriate for every occasion.
3. New York: The city that never sleeps wins in America. New Yorkers are known for their high style quotient and for good reason. It’s urban American style with Euro influence at its best. I adore this city and the mixture of both continental styles makes it extra special.
4. Barcelona: Spain’s leadership in fashion retail capital permeates style throughout Barcelona. Local retailers are hip and affordable and people take advantage of this luxury.
5. Paris: The couture capital of the universe comes in third for Europe and last on this list. Not quite as chic as you might expect, but stylish and full of character nonetheless. My favourite part about Parisian style is how well women dress as they get older. Ladies in their mid 50’s and older are a cut above the rest and it is inspirational.

Amsterdam, Dusseldorf, Vancouver and Stockholm didn’t quite make my top five list but they came close. I have not spent enough time in Tokyo, Milan or Munich which is why these cities don’t feature on my list. Which cities do you rate as the most stylish and why?

I grew up in Hong Kong and could be accused of a little bias. We travel back every couple of years and this picture was taken in December of 2006.

There is a definite “Parisian Style” that has little to do with navy and white striped T-shirts, berets and red neckerchiefs, or wearing Chanel from head to toe. It’s all about a retro urban ensemble that’s a little worn, a little designer, fairly neutral, full of character, unmatched, eclectic, always accessorized and never sporty.

Parisian street fashion was all about the following looks when we visited last week:

• Skinny jeans, skinny jeans and more skinny jeans. 80% of women across all age groups wore them. Most of the styles weren’t ultra tapered but slick and straight was a key silhouette. I saw three people wear wide-legged pants in six days. Interesting.
• Leggings were still big especially under tunic tops and dresses.
• Monochromatic colours were the norm. Despite the sea of colour available in stores, street fashion stuck to black, grey, white, cream, beige and red. Very little brown and ink blue.
• Cream, white and beige trenches, and cropped black biker jackets were “the” cover-up.
• Sleek tops were tucked into skinny jeans and worn with a belt. Voluminous tunics, blouses and shirts were left un-tucked and often belted at the waist.
• Knitted tops with yoke detailing were popular and virtually everyone wore some form of cropped cardigan. I didn’t see anyone who wasn’t pregnant wear a baby doll top. Woven tops were just as popular as knitted tops.
• White and cream pants or jeans started coming through on warmer days. I didn’t see a single women in khakis or sweat pants. Linen and micro-check bottoms are the French substitute.
• Very few skirts and dresses.
• Ballet flats, ballet flats and more ballet flats. Loads of round toes and few pointy styles. 90% of the women wore flats but heels came out at night. Patent was hot.
• There was an epidemic of grey Converse sneakers. You could spot at least 10 people wearing either grey, black or white retro Chuck Taylor Converse sneakers at any given time. Love it.
• Chunky necklaces, bracelets and rings were the accessory of choice. Very few women wore statement earrings.
• Cream, grey, white and tan handbags were plentiful and large flat totes were a popular choice. Sling bags took a back seat which surprised me.

It’s typical for French women to mix up their items. You’ll see fancy designer shoes worn with cheap H&M jackets, and Prada trenches matched with Converse sneakers. There’s loads of expensive designer merchandise on the streets of Paris, but it seldom looks new and pristine because it’s well worn and braves the elements of dirty city life.

Skinnies and a large tote making their way down Boulevard Henri IV in Paris.

Whenever I visit San Francisco I’m impressed with the high style quotient. This weekend was no different. Daytime street fashion was a uniform of jeans, trench coats, ballet flats or fashion sneakers, and funky accessories.

• Denim was either boot cut, straight or skinny.
• Trenches were short or just above the knee.
• Trapeze jackets and tailored blazers were a popular alternative to trenches.
• Ballet flats and Converse sneakers were everywhere.
• Large flat totes ruled supreme.
• Trendy specs were in abundance.
• The colours were black, white, cream, tan, grey, red, brown.

There were no heels or wide-legged pants, and very few T-shirts to be seen. I only spotted three people wearing their pants too short.

Things slipped once I was back at the airport. Velour sweats, oversized-T-shirts, clingy cropped hoodies, yoga pants, pajama pants, crocs, hiking boots, polar fleece, fanny packs, flip-flops, thick white athletic socks and big athletic sneakers were everywhere. And I stopped counting how many men and women were wearing their pant lengths too short.