I’m still a fan of Sweet Pea’s top collection. The brand is best known for their mock wrap and empire cut styles, which look good on several body types. The forgiving stretch of the fabric and the ruched integrity of their silhouette folds over curves instead of clinging to them (ideal for camouflaging muffin top). If you can find a pattern that you like, the tops are well worth a try because they’re lightweight and made of durable, non-crease nylon mesh. Easy to launder, flattering to wear and fun for Spring and Summer. A pretty flop-proof solution for us all.

Sweet Pea keeps things fresh by offering plenty of new styles each season. The silhouette that caught my attention was an A-line sleeveless tie-back tunic style. It’s slightly trapeze, pleated under the neck and made of one solid piece (no colour blocked hem borders which cut your long lean line). This style is good on small to medium bust size rectangles, inverted triangles and hourglasses. Loose, cool and forgiving around the midsection. It will even work on some adorable apples and pretty pears if you alter the length.

The neckline is not ideal for large bust lines or short necked lasses (V-necks are better). But don’t give up before trying because you may be surprised at the result. Add a long beaded necklace to this style to draw the eye up and down and emphasize the vertical.

These tops are fab under a cropped cardigan and white jeans, or on their own with clamdiggers. I like how they’re voluminous and tailored at the same time. Makes for a nice change to the multitudes of empire cuts and wrap styles (we need a little break from the defined waist). If these patterns are not to your taste, hang on. Sweet Pea is bound to offer alternatives throughout the season.

Tip: I’ve successfully doctored several Sweet Pea tops because the fabric does not fray. Cut a sleeve or hem to length at home with a pair of sharp scissors and Bob’s your uncle.

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.

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.