The shorts of the summer

I had a weird argument the other day about the seasons - is summer officially over on the 1st of September (it is, for me) or is there another mystery date? Whenever the answer is, nobody would disagree these Zara shorts dominated this summer - they appeared in every blog on earth from Fashiontoast to Chictopia, reached hall of fame in Shit Bloggers Wear and became one of these staple, instantly recognizable items everyone bought first, and got about apprehensive later. In this particular scenario, I do not have a problem with being affected - here they are, my own private Zara shorts - or, as called by some, "skort". 

Shirt and shorts - Zara

Cape - Dina Glass

I purchased the shorts, unaware of their future fame, earlier this spring, and wore them relentlessly. There's a reason, I tell you, these are so popular - the fit is great and the cut makes one's legs to look longer and leaner then god intended. While pretty much everyone preferred to pair them with more tailored shirts, I thought a vacation-y feel would do the acclaimed shorts justice, especially, well, if you're going to see "We're the Millers" in a local theater. And with that, we finally move to Fall. And fall, friends, brings surprises. Stay tuned!

Screen Heroine: Cate Blanchett in Blue Jasmine

So everyone's talking about Blue Jasmine, Woody Allen's latest. American critics are flipping with joy due to the fact that this time, it's all about New York and San Francisco. Forget Barcelona or Rome, the local hills are the best! I went to see the movie a week ago, and got the impression it's about what we call in Hebrew "rich people's problems". And men, these rich people dress well! 

In the film, Cate Blanchett a.k.a Jasmine, moves back and forth between her luscious past with a generous, numerous-houses-owning husband to her current situation, living with her "poor" sister across the country. The sad thing is, her luxurious wardrobe is the only remain of her lost status and wealth. The expensive dresses and twin-sets, the "good hair", the designer bag - Jasmine is defined by her impeccably fitting armor, but empty underneath it. Having said that, even though I'm usually quit intimidated by what looks like "rich people's clothes", I'll take that red dress over happiness any time. 

Layering for fall

I accidentally read today on "1001 Glamour's DOs and DON'Ts" (on newsstands now)  that the fall's layering "update" is "let shirttails hang below a sweater". Well, that's exactly what I did on my last visit to San Francisco, on a day that begun all foggy and ended up with me cursing my black jeans for soaking up all the sun. You never know, in this town. 

Sweater and shoes - Zara

Shirt - Vintage

I thought this look channels retro, and so does the background - yes, the most unglamorous place in the trendy Mission neighborhood. I haven't layered a sweater like this since high school, absolutely refreshing. 

Vintage Chill

It's hot. Everywhere. I talk to my friends back home, and they say they're melting. I attempt to have a great Sunday (success!), and I melt myself. I try to keep cool with a milkshake. But I'm wearing a snugly vintage dress and a heavy belt, so it's only partially working. Fashion is all about sacrifice. 

Dress - vintage
Belt and corn earrings - a gift from a neighbor

Milkshake - Screamin' Mimi's

Once, I used to own a bunch of vintage dresses like this one. Then I moved on. I actually picked up this dress to sell later, but until that happens - I tried to wear it. I've been obsessing over McQueen "tile" dresses for some time now, and this one is quite close, and oh so far at the same time. 

I can only hope these ladies are not as hot in the heavenly quilted creations. They must have air conditioning on red carpets. But do they have corn-shaped earrings? Nope. Keep cool everyone. 

Jew Chic

San Francisco was charming as always, and in case you were wondering about the title - I've spent a day at the Contemporary Jewish Museum, where a fascinating exhibition named "Beyond Belief" took place. Variations on the theme of spirit, religion and magic beyond the Judaism, including i-pad stations asking you questions such as: "How do you cope with loss?". You choose an answer. You discover you answered like the majority of the visitors. Oh well. Nobody's special, not even the chosen people. 

I found this dress in a vintage store - over-sized, crazy, conservative. If I was a religious Jew, I would probably wear something like this every day. Ironically enough, the exhibit and the dress chose, in some divine order from above, to coexist that day. The belt, with little animals on it, is another great find from a garage sale in Napa.

This was my favorite image from the exhibit, but the museum has other surprises: Black Sabbath, the sound project linking black jazz musicians with Yiddish influences simply blew my mind - the ultimate jazzy hit "Matzo balls and Gefilte fish" hadn't left my head all day. Here it is:

Enjoy! And don't forget to air your modest Jew-chis once in a while!

Maximum contrast

All my life I've been having an ambivalent relationship with maxi skirts. One of many constrains dictated by our body type, long skirts are known to "shorten" me, as my legs are simply not neverending enough. But I do love them. Very rarely, they love me back. 

Skirt - Platinum by Doroty Scholen (Salvation Army)

Shirt - Cheap Monday

Jacket - H&M

Shoes and scarf - Zara

This skirt, scouted in the very uninviting spaces of a local Salvation Army (and bought for 3.99) is a little miracle - the wrapper cut is flattering and comfortable, very fit for a brisk visit to San Franciscan streets. Additionally, I think I prefer this length, as should ladies who banned flowing maxi, harem pants and other long-legged wonders from their wardrobe. More on my last San Fran stop - soon!