Category Archives: Fashion

Famous for Fedoras

As an English teacher, I expect students to ask me how to spell complicated words (sound it out) or for an extension on their essays (no), but hands down the question I get the most is:

“Mrs. Hochner how many fedoras do you own???” 

I never know how to answer that question because the truth is, I have no idea. Counting my hats would be like you counting your shoes; a tedious task that would result in realizing that you do not actually wear half of them, and there is no fun in that.

Although now popular in mainstream culture, the term fedora was coined in a play that was first performed in 1882 and the hats were made popular by gangsters during the prohibition in the 1920s (yet another reason to love The Great Gatsby).

In places that have seasons (yes, I miss New York desperately), the leaves are changing, hot chocolate is being served, and hats are not only a trend but a necessity. A necessity that according to fabology happens to be “the answer to wind-blown hair/sweaty sheitel problems.”

Here in The Sunshine State we may not need to protect our frostbitten ears, but we have to deal with something potentially more dangerous: harmful sun rays. Shielding your face and eyes from the sun can help keep your skin looking fresh and healthy and prevent eye issues that can occur later on in life such as cataracts.

So the next time you leave your house remember to protect your skin with a cute fedora because you have nothing to lose. The worst thing that can happen is someone will think that you are me! 🙂

 

– Mrs. Hochner

You Can ‘Do It

Are you stressing out trying to figure out which hairdos you want to rock this summer? Worry no more! This summer is all about effortless curls, killer braids, and sleek up-dos. Whether you’re tanning on the beach or refreshing your summer wardrobe at the mall, these easy dos will make you feel fierce and chic.
We all know that summer in Florida can get hot, so instead of increasing the temperature and spending time with your flat iron, try flaunting some beachy waves. For this look, simply spray some sea salt mist into your damp hair and sleep on it overnight. You will wake up the next morning ready to go out looking fabulous! During the summer, especially in Florida, frizz can become your constant friend. Let’s fight the frizz and display some breathtaking braids. Braids are a breeze to work with and they last all day. Try a fishtail, classic french, or even go wild with a four-stranded braid. Whichever you choose, people will definitely stop and stare at your hair glory.
For those lazy July days, we all love a classic up-do. Show off your luscious, long locks by putting your hair up in a super-high ponytail. You can even add a floral headband or perhaps a neon hair tie (extra points for working those summery trends!). For those of us with medium to short hair, buns are the way to go. Try a top knot to show that that you care–without caring too much. For some extra sassy flair, make a bow bun. A bow bun adds some elegance to your simple do.
This summer, explore with new styles and step out of your comfort zone. Remember–no one ever forgets the girl who’s original.
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Bonus: We found you a homemade recipe for sea salt spray, so there’s no need to purchase an expensive product!
– Combine 1 cup of warm water, 1 tsp of coconut oil, 1 tsp of sea salt, and 1/2 tsp of hair gel in an empty spray bottle. Spray it on damp, towel-dried hair, scrunch with your fingers, and voila! Gorgeous waves!
– Ariella Mamann & Eliana Loskove

Surviving The Heat

Summer is just moments away, and with it come seemingly endless days of fun, relaxation, and…heat. We Floridians know all about heat. Scorching sunshine, warm stale breezes, and indescribable humidity that feels like a too-heavy blanket. But the truth is, wherever you spend your summer, uncomfortably warm weather is unavoidable. Staying modest when the sun is blazing can be a challenge, but there are ways to both stay cool and look cool all summer long.

Dress for success: Long, flowy maxi skirts are a great way to stay chill when the temperatures begin to rise. Look for light summery colors and pair with loose three-quarter sleeve tops that will keep those balmy breezes (yeah, right) circulating.

Plan your day wisely: Fresh air is good for you, even in the summer, so definitely try to get outside a little. But only a little. If you absolutely HAVE TO be outside, make sure to go swimming often and stay hydrated. Then reward yourself with a long shower and spend the rest of the day in your cold, air-conditioned house.

And if neither of those work…

Mind over matter: This trick was a gift from my father, who taught me to “think warm” on our long walks to shul in the snow (no, I didn’t grow up in Florida). I’m not sure if thinking warm actually worked, but I am pretty sure that having a positive attitude can really turn things around.

So, as your last final exam ends and your summer begins, remember to stay cool, think cool, and keep a positive attitude! Have an enjoyable and meaningful summer.

– Mrs. Horowitz

Modesty and Beauty

“Beauty is being the best possible version of yourself on the inside and out” -Anonymous

The Gemara relates the story of when Caesar’s daughter met Rabbi Yehoshua Ben Chananya. Rabbi Yehoshua was widely known for both his erudition as well as his ugliness. When the princess first saw Rabbi Yehoshua she was appalled and asked him, rather tactlessly, “Why are you SO ugly? How could someone so scholarly be so unattractive?”
Rabbi Yehoshua gave a strange answer, which seemed as if he was dodging her question. He replied, “What sort of vessels does your father, Caesar, keep his wine in?” The princess answered, “Caesar stores his wine in clay pottery”. Rabbi Yehoshua retorted, “Is pottery fitting for a king?! Certainly a king should keep his wine in gold and silver vessels!”
Upon hearing this the princess realized how common it was to keep wine in pottery and immediately had all of her father’s wine transferred into vessels of royalty– gold and silver. A while later, when Caesar requested a drink, he tasted the wine and it was spoiled. All of his wine was spoiled! Caesar demanded an explanation. All of his staff faulted the princess, and the princess faulted Rabbi Yehoshua ben Chananya.
It was with this that Rabbi Yehoshua finally answered the princess’s original question. He explained, “When the vessel becomes more important than what it contains, it spoils its contents.”
With this the princess understood. There is inherent value to beauty; however, external beauty must serve the purpose of enhancing internal beauty and not overpowering the inner beauty and detracting from it.
The purpose of dressing with style should be for the sake of modesty. As intelligent Jewish girls, no one should want to be judged on face value. We want people to see our external selves and be intrigued to look further at our even more beautiful internal selves. Style is a tool used to create depth. Perhaps the quote we began with was actually authored by none other than Rabbi Yehoshua.

– Mrs. Michal Zisquit