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.

This ped is an update on last season’s peep-toe bootie. It uniquely combines the silhouettes of both an ankle boot and thong sandal with the end product looking rather gladiator-esque. I adore gladiator sandals so I gave the look a try in stores. Unfortunately, they don’t work for my fussy feet, but I really like the look.

Pop them under the right outfit and they’re super edgy and a tad ethnic. So what’s the verdict? Am I alone in liking the new sandal bootie?

 Depending on the style, sandal booties can either look rugged or refined. I prefer the refined versions like the cream and silver pairs on the right, but I’ve seen both moods sported equally well.

I’m drawn to do-and-don’t lists. You have the option to disagree and come up with your own set of style rules which makes for a worthwhile exercise. It caused quite a stir when I posted on Charla Krupp’s list of forbidden fashion for the over 30’s (from her New York Times best seller “How Not To Look Old”, a book I enjoyed). The overall YLF consensus was that age 30 is too low as a cutoff point for the items mentioned on the list. Situational context, body type and persona play a huge role when sporting a so called young item with effortless style, and there are exceptions to every rule.

Charla’s list of Top 25 Clothes That Just Gotta Go is also food for thought. She does not attach an age to this list, but her book is targeted at the over 40’s.  Charla feels that no matter how attached you are to these pieces, they have to go because they make you look dated and old lady. Holding onto them for lounging purposes won’t do either. Here’s the list with my two cents for each item:

1. Holiday sweaters with bells and appliqués: Hard one. I realize that this is tradition in some American households especially in child friendly settings.
2. Granny/Mommy necklaces that tell you how many grandchildren you have: Another hard one. Making the exception to wear unstylish sentimental items occasionally is fine in my book.
3. Souvenir T-shirts: They can make fun lounging items and comfy sleepwear.
4. T-shirts with meant to be funny sayings: Same as above. If it makes you smile when you’re at home and out of the public eye – why not.
5. Overalls: Agreed. There is superb maternity wear to choose from these days, so give dungarees a miss.
6. Acid washed jeans: Look at our Kyle and you’ll soon change your mind. If you’re uber polished and the rest of the outfit is fabulous, I say go for it.
7. Ripped jeans: Generally I’m not into torn and overly distressed denim, but Kyle’s jeans were subtly ripped and she absolutely wore them with style.
8. Shoulder pads: They are coming back into fashion so I say never say never.
9. Flannel shirts: The oversized grunge variety are awful, but Ralph Lauren makes a tailored range every holiday season and they can look great.
10. Muumuus: They aren’t my cup of tea either but you’ll get away with the look in Hawaii.
11. Photo handbags: It’s fine to sport not so fab looking sentimental items occasionally. I’ve also seen stylish designer photo handbags that I’d sport in an instant.
12. Flesh colored hose: I’m not a fan, but if a dress code requires it that’s fine by me.
13. Penny loafers: No way. Loafers can be trendy or traditional, and absolutely stylish. It’s a very Euro look and when my ballet flat days are over, I’m onto fab looking loafers for sure.
14. Oversized blazers: Structured jackets are always flattering, but trendy unstructured styles get my vote too.
15. Mommy robes: I must admit I’m not sure what this is. Anyone care to enlighten me?
16. Thin-gold-chain necklaces: They’re not the height of style, but they’ll work if you prefer dainty gold jewelry and the rest of your ensemble is current.
17. Elastic-waist pants: Structured pants with waistbands are definitely best for public dressing, but by all means wear elastic-waist lounge pants at home.
18. Granny undies: Wearing the best possible bra is a must, but if you like to wear big knickers and shapewear, go for it.
19. Baggy sweats: Great for lounging at home.
20. Bearlike, full length fur coats: I’m against any type of real fur so I can’t comment objectively on this one.
21. Short shorts: I say wear them at home if they keep you cool when it’s desperately hot.
22. Cargo pants: I have clients built like string beans in their late 40’s sporting this look with style. It can be done.
23. Stockings with reinforced toes: It won’t make a difference if you wear closed-toe shoes.
24. Three piece suits with vests: An androgynous look can look stunning when worn with edge and sass.
25. Backpacks: Versions that are gear get my red light too, but the trendier basic Euro staple has made a fashionable comeback and we’ll probably see more people sport the look.

I would agree with much more of this list if Charla excluded lounging. I do advocate lounging with style, but there are times when you want to be really comfortable at home because it’s extremely hot or cold, or when you’re feeling under the weather. These are times when you’re out of the public eye and forgoing a bit of style won’t harm your style quotient. The danger arises when lounge dressing becomes the norm for all aspects of your life. This is probably why Charla is stricter about these items than I am – eliminating the item completely eliminates the temptation of wearing it at any time.

Over to you. What are your thoughts on the items on Charla’s list?

Metallic wedges, sandals and pumps are an easy “go to” option for warm weather dressing. They’re neutral, light in colour and very versatile. We’ve also talked about grey patent making a nice alternative to black and brown shoes in Autumn and Winter. But what I’m most into at the moment is dove grey, non-patent footwear. New, no shine and lots of edge.

This colour might look blah and boring at first glance but don’t let that put you off. It’s a pretty fabulous look once you know how to work it into an ensemble. Definitely not as cheerful as a bright colour, but super sophisticated and just as fun. Dove grey peds work well with a pair of white, cream, or light grey pair of pants, and any wash of denim. I also like to sport mine with leggings, black pinstriped slacks and a denim skirt. I’m totally hooked.

You won’t find many MATTE dove grey shoes around at the moment because stores are still on metallic and patent overload. If the trend does not make it to mainstream fashion, that’s fine too. It will stay fringe and I’ll enjoy it just as much.

I have the dove grey pumps with the white piping and they’re my favorite peds for Spring (the brand is called “Fly London” and their range is well worth a look). It’s nice to give my metallic wedges and patent flats a break and sport the matte look for a change.