Purple With A Purpose
I love the color purple (not so much the movie The Color Purple, although I’m a huge fan of Whoopie and Oprah), but I mean the hue as in periwinkle, lavender, magenta, violet, indigo.
Whenever I wear OPI “Purple With a Purpose†on my toes, I feel creative, glam, and fun.
Turns out the color purple is symbolic in both Jewish and non-Jewish cultures. The Israelites, for example, used an indigo-colored dye called tekhelet, which comes from the mucus of an ancient small sea snail murex trunculus. This dye, known as Tyrian purple, was used by royalty and the upper-class in dyeing their clothing, sheets, curtains, and such. Maybe I’m attracted to everything purple because I was a king or queen in a past life, who knows.  Purple is also the color of the purification from sin, and God only knows I carry a lot of guilt.
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Happy Hour Fashion Show Benefits Dress for Success
What does a Jewish mom enjoy more than eating out, shopping with her gal pals, and doing a mitzvah at the same time so that she doesn’t feel guilty for leaving her husband at home with the kids and a sink full of dishes?
I can’t think of anything.
So here’s an opportunity to do all of the above—cocktails, couture, and a good cause—at the third annual GNO (that’s “Girls Night Out†for those who still like to spell out words) on November 4, 6-9 p.m., at a trio of my favorite food and fashion hotspots in Wildwood Town Center.
The evening kicks off with wine and appetizers at a popular contemporary European restaurant Table Three where guests will salivate over goat cheese and spinach dip and the newest fall fashions from Heels (over-the-knee boots are big) and Pure by Jen (gray is the new black), which are conveniently located walking distance from each other on the cobblestone Main Street. Admission is $25 and benefits an international non-profit organization called Dress for Success, which promotes the economic independence of disadvantaged women right here in St. Louis by providing them with professional attire, as well as a network of support and career development tools to help them thrive in their careers and lives. In fact, since opening its doors in 1998, Dress for Success Midwest has served more than 25,000 women with the goal of suiting 1,500 ladies this year.
“This incredible organization outfits these women from head to toe—all for free—so that they can get ready for a job interview and reenter the workforce,†says Rosemary Barry, owner of Heels, whose business donates shoes every year. “Every year the Girls Night Out event raises about $500 for a different cause, and this year we ask participants to also bring an item of apparel, footwear, or an accessory to help women feel good about themselves.â€
Finally, everyone goes home happy (and tipsy) with a complimentary tote bag filled with lots of goodies, including jewelry, a scarf, cosmetics, move tickets, coupons, and other surprises.
For reservations and more info, call 636-273-4000 or 636-458-8588.
High Holidays Kick Off Fashion Week
The runway shows in New York, London and Milan aren’t the only places to preview fall fashions. It’s much easier to go to high holiday services at your nearest synagogue. There you’ll discover what’s really hot, aside from the eternal flame burning at the ark.
Think about it. Jews are born trendsetters, and our culture remains influential in so many ways. The clothing industry is no exception. For example, Jewish fashionistas have worn scarves since the days of Moses, and just recently this modern versatile wrap is getting rave reviews in exotic animal prints, geometric patterns, gorgeous textures, luscious colors, and tie dies with fringe. Continue reading
Being Jewish Usually Means Dressing the Part
As I struggle everyday to pick my battles with my children, I usually surrender in the wardrobe war. In fact, I let my 11-year-old son Jack and seven-year-old daughter Sari wear what they want for the most part. Jack’s usual attire consists of a Hanes undershirt and athletic shorts. When he dresses formal, he hangs a shark’s tooth around his neck. Sari, on the other hand, showcases more outfits than my fat and skinny clothes combined. Still, she grabs the same striped pink tank top and ruffled skirt every time. Whenever I suggest that she wear something different, she looks at me like I’m as outdated as a taffeta prom gown. Continue reading