The recent post, Soccer meets Fashion, I was showing you the Rudsak sneakers on sale, but unfortunately we were sad to find out that they currently do not ship to the U.S. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t other great options for you, and today you will find out what they are.
There’s an old saying that goes “fashion comes and go, but style is forever” and for the basic sneaker, this couldn’t be truer. Back when I was still awaiting the birth of our sweet boy, I wrote about sneakers here. Fast forward a year and some months, this sneaker trend still here and here to stay. As fads ebb and flow through time, the one thing that remains is that a simple sneaker can be chic and welcoming, especially for a mom like me, who is always on the go!
Pairing this basic shoe with a blazer or dress, makes this the go to look, whether jet setting or a busy day running around town. If this style is something you consider then there are a few options to nail this trend.
First, you can’t go wrong with the tried and true basic white sneaker, like the Swear. Looking to jazz it up a bit? Check out the Miu Miu shoe, my personal favorite, that adds the perfect accent with the metallic, pointed toe which screams cool & feminine. I just wish it wouldn't be so pricey. My red Miu Miu I purchased on crazy sale years ago at Nordstrom and I still wear them which makes them a great investment, right?
The Comme de Garcons with a peak-a-boo heart on the side, are super fun (also avaiiable in high top).Naot is an Israeli brand that known for comfort and their white new sneaker is pretty cool looking too. Balenciaga I love because of the small platform, unique design and also has the pointed toe. Unfortunately, sometimes these shoes can get a bit expensive, but of course I have other options for you!
For a more approachable choice, Adidas carries their iconic Stan Smith and Superstar white sneaker. And though it seems like everyone owns a pair of these, this shoe is perfectly safe choice.
Finally, if you are looking for a shoe that marries comfort with a little bit of edge, you have to try a high top sneaker. Whether you are rocking the golden, textured high top by Geox or the lovely, lace Superga, you simply can’t go wrong. I personally got the basic white Puma and posted some looks on my Instagram page @talikogan.
What is your favorite style? How do you like wearing this trend the most?
I would love to hear your comments and feedback.
Hope everyone had an amazing weekend! Saturday at Lolapalooza was the highlight of mine! I posted some snaps on instagram.
After cleaning my closet, I thought that there is a room in my wardrobe for another dress that effortlessly can be worn from day to night. My SisterM Emerald dress was such an amazing buy, I wanted to explore additional similar options. I ordered a few pieces online, but this dress is the one that I am the most excited to share with you.
First and foremost, its one of very few dresses I've had that can be worn braless (and for summer this is priceless)! I also adore the off shoulder element with pop-pom trim. Those patterns stripes and ethnic touch is making it even more interesting. And the length is perfect, which rarely happens to me.
I am so excited for my baby boy, Leonix's appearance in this post. He is wearing Minene, which is an Israeli kids brand that was founded by 3 moms and currently sold in over 20 countries. Leo and I love this brand because of their cool and super soft designs. You can shop their collection online through their UK distributer here
Now you want to know about the BLOGUE?
So many special things I have got on my birthday but this one gift is a must feature in my blog, BLOGUE Magazine.
My brilliant friend Luba Jakobson, who you probably already know, came all the way from Israel to celebrate my birthday in Chicago. She is the editor and creator of the BLOGUE. The entire content and photos were created from my posts including text and campaigns for my favorite fashion brands. What an original idea, clever cover name and unbelievable gift! Now my entire family have BLOGUE on their coffee table. This may be the best gift I have ever got, it feels very special, beyond any words.
ME: DRESS ($148)TULAROSA (I am wearing xs) || SNEAKS MIU MIU (similar below) BAG CHANEL || SUNNIES SUPER
ps. I have linked my Rudsak white sneaks from my previous post here, however some of you notified me that they don't ship to the US. I am sorry about that! I am now working on new post with lots of links to similar options. Stay tuned! Have a wonderful and stylish week everyone.
My last visit to Israel was very family oriented. I didn't get to shop much at all. Fortunately, I was able to attend the Accessories Market that is usually takes place a few times a year. There, I found some really great pieces that I am excited to share with you.
The perfect SisterM dress that I am wearing is one of my favorite finds. When I see a body conscious style in white with a cool neckline AND laser cut details, it's an instant winner for me. I had to shorten mine a few inches simply because I find it more flattering on me, especially with flats.
Because they have such a fresh, urban style aesthetic, Rhaya and Meital Mitrani of SisterM are designers that you should know (if you haven't heard about them yet). Full interview is coming soon on my blog.
David Cohen's gold bracelet can be also worn as a necklace! And we love versatility! David Cohen, who I also met at the market for the first time, designs a small male collection as well.
As for my Rudsak sneakers I purchased them in Toronto on a business trip with Maskit in March and I have literally been wearing them almost daily ever since. Many of you asked me about them and guess what?! I found them online and on SALE!
Now, I know you are curious about my bag, how not to :) This super duper cool clutch by Catch Me Baby was gifted to me and purchased from a concept shop called Numero 13 located at Neve Tzedek. Not only is this cool clutch all mine, but it also comes with the sweetest story. Want to know more? Keep scrolling down...
Well, I was having Tel Aviv day with my best friend Luba Jakobson in one of our favorite areas, Neve Tzedek, strolling, catching up, checking local boutiques and just being girls! As we walked, she pointed out the soccer clutch and I was like, WOW. But for my Chanel clutch, I rarely buy them. But this one was special; I thought, "I would totally rock this and I know my husband would love it too." Without much thought, Luba bought it. I was convinced she loved it just as much as I did and decided to buy it for herself. To my surprise, when we left the boutique she said, "Here... this is a gift for you :)" How sweet is that?!?! And what a great friend moment! I love my friend and my new bag :)
Just when I was searching for something new upon my arrival to Tel Aviv, Colle'cte designer and co-founder, Tal Drori, reached out to me with mind-blowing photos of their brand.
I immediately remembered that I had seen their unique bags on the runway of Moscow fashion week; I was very intrigued. Despite the short notice, I was able to get an appointment. I was so fascinated by all that this married couple created and managed right out of their Tel Aviv home, which also served as their studio.
The House ofColle’cte is a combination of two words in French: colle, which is glue and collecte, which is collection. What started as a catchy business name for partners, Tal Drori and Assaf Shem-Tov, actually seems to fit as a perfect metaphor for not only their business, but also their married life. “We glued together two minds, two different worlds into one,” This dynamic duo is taking Israel, and the world, by storm, one bag at a time. Without further ado, I am excited to bring to you an interview which delves into the mind of the Colle'cte brand.
How was the business idea born?
It all started during my final project at Shenkar College of Engineering and Design. My professor recommended that I get some professional help to complete my clothing collection. He gave me Assaf's number who, at the time, was head designer for Daniella Lehavi, a shoe and bag brand. Working together, we created a small collection of bags. At the time, he refused any payment from me for his services. A few years later, we were working as employees in fashion houses in Tel-Aviv. We decided to continue what we started years ago back in 2009, which was to create art together.
The style of your bags is very unique, what's your inspiration?
Our inspirations are very wide and vary from shapes in nature to the history of fashion. Our strongest inspirations are armor, weapons and warrior woman from the 19th century in Europe, like Jeanne d’Arc, Urracá, Marie-Angélique-Joséphine Duchemin and widowed Brûlon. Assaf takes on the look of the bag and its construction and I handle the vibe, texture and female perspective. Together, we combine our aesthetic and talents into one collection. We've also had collections inspired by female rock stars and Dandy men (also known as beaus or gallants). Our latest collection is inspired by sports.
Tell us about your most exciting collaborations
We've done a lot of collaborations with many Israeli designers. Every year, we try to do something new--something for our soul. Collaborating with other designers takes us to new and unexpected paths and also allows us to travel, which we love. For TLV fashion week, we collaborated with a local bridal and evening gown designer to create a collection of evening handbags and clutches which was sponsored by Swarovski. We also recently did a collaboration with fashion designer Yosef, which included a 20 piece clothing collection, 3 jewelry pieces utilizing silver and leather and 6 handbags which were inspired by The Alchemist. We sold them in boutiques here in Israel, and were even invited to present them at Mercedes Benz FashionWeek in Moscow.
Can you share with us some details about Moscow Fashion Week?
It was an amazing experience for us to take part in this big, elegant event. Witnessing all the behind-the-scenes elements of this event was amazing because we are considered an accessory brand and don't usually get to feature in fashion shows. It was certainly a memorable week in Moscow.
You participated in a shoe exhibition called Cinderella Syndrome, currently running in Tel Aviv, where you designed a bag in the form of shoe?!
Yes, the bag is our personal interpretation of a stiletto shoe. We call it New Balance; the space between elegance and pain. As we know, fashion dictated that women were subject to pain throughout history. This is true, even with stilettos, due to the relationship of human anatomy and the foot. It highlights both human balance and weight on high heels. We wanted to create a bag that challenges gravity; one that highlights the juxtaposition of balance vs. imbalance.
What's your most popular bag?
We have several best sellers, but our most popular bag is our ball bag. I know this very well because we produce it in our studio by hand, every single one of them. To date, we cannot find a factory that makes them as perfectly as we do in our studio. We produce the bag in many colors and also offer variations, such as the choice of 1 to 6 tassels. We created the ball bag back in 2012, but decided to adjust its diameter when the iPhone 6 was unveiled in 2015 due to its worldwide popularity.
When you design your bags, what kind of customer you have in mind?
Actually, our customers inspire us. We design for the state of mind of a cool, vibrant, urban woman. Sometimes very classy and other times avant-garde, we want our bags to be comfortable and user-friendly, and yet still have a different look and vibe. We strive to give the handbag world a different look altogether.
Your husband is your business partner, can you tell us how is this working for you?
Its very natural and normal for us; we like it. We both have our parts and we truly complete each other. Many people ask me about this and I always say, "Yes, it takes a very specific character to do it, and for most couples, I know it's not recommended." We worked together before we were a couple, and we like to be together at work and at home.
After seeing this brand in person and witnessing the impeccable craftsmanship, leather quality, hardware and interior of each bag, I decided to add Colle'cte to my personal bag collection. A Colle'cte bag is more than worth its investment; its a great value for the price and a piece of art all on its own. For me, the Small Uracca and Large Uracca bag below are both unique and practical at the same time. Since it be customized, I am ordering mine in white leather. I am sure once it arrives, you will see lots of it on my Instagram and also here on Tel Aviv Couture.
Who likes wine? Or should I say, who doesn't like
wine?! Even my sister Orly, who 3 years ago didn't drink wine at
all, is now an expert when it comes to all things related to wine. Thanks to her, I've been introduced to the fascinating world of
Israeli wine makers. During my extended stay in
Isreal, we visited quite a few wineries. I even had the
honor of meeting several of the founders during some tours. For your next
visit to Israel, I've got your wine experience covered!
My sister told meAmphorae, is like the Chanel of Israeli wineries. After our visit, I can understand what she means. The winery is luxurious looking; its an institution where you can expect excellent wine, great stories and a memorable time! Per the conversation we had with their wine expert, Arkadie Papikian, Amphorae's goal is to bring the most respect to Israeli
wine makers and also to obtain international awareness and
recognition. Amphorae is actually the only winery in
Isreal who employs Michel Rolland--a world renowned French wine consultant. Mr. Rolland even created his own special edition
blend with its founder--Velours 2009 and
Velours 2010.
Amphorae produces about 70,000 bottles annually.
Their house specialty wine, Makura, has 3
offerings--Cabernet Sauvigno, Merlot and their house blend.
According to Papikian, like fashion, there is a clear trend in wine as well. The latest one is white wine, more on the drier side.
Papikian has a saying: "Good wine born with a good mood". And this is the vibe you get the minute you walk in.
The good news is that you don't have to be in Israel to have Amphorae, you can order it online here.
If you are looking for a great wine experience as well as a social scene, Tishbi is your destination.
In addition to their unique wine, they also have a bakery, a home made chocolate bar, cheeses and a smoked meat truck on weekends. We arrived on a Sunday afternoon
and the winery was packed with a beautiful scene of live music and awesome
vibes.
I had the honor of chatting with founder, Jonathan Tishbi (picture above). "There is no place like Israel", Tishbi told me, and I couldn't agree
more. I was captivated by the amazing environment created by the
winery. Tishbi said he started off by hosting wine with friends
and soon the entire concept of hosting was born. Today, they
have over 1,000 visitors on weekends.
Tishbi wine can also be ordered online here
I loved hearing the amazing story of the man behind the Stern Empire--founder, Johnny Stern (picture above). Born in Brazil, on his last day of Israeli service, he saw his friends loading grapes into cars to make wine. Right there, the initial idea for wine making was born. Stern decided to take it to the next level and try a wine making course. When he served his first glass of wine to his teacher, he wouldn't drink it. He said that he was too old to drink wine that wasn't good. This motivated Stern to work harder than ever. Eventually Stern got it right and has been making award winning wine ever since. Stern wines can be found in some of Isreal's best restaurants, wine boutiques and, of course, their winery in Israel. The Stern Winery was actually the first in Israel to make Cabernet-Franc. They also won the Top 5 award at Finger Lakes in New York City. Stern once said, "I only make wine I love." Perhaps this is one of the secrets to his amazing success.
Have you ever tasted a glass of wine born and influenced by music? One of their founders, Yaniv Kimchi did his research and strongly believes that music affects the quality of wine. For this reason, all Lotem wines listen to music throughout the entire fermentation and aging process! Also, the naming of all their wines are inspired by musicians.
Lotem is the only winery in Israel that makes organic wine. Because Lotem wines sold out last year, they doubled their production to 25,000 bottles this year. Their most popular is Shiraz and Allegro - a light blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Franc and Nebbiolo.
We visited with my sister and friends and it was unlike anything else I have seen so far.
It was a relaxing evening, with lots of creative appetizers, such as tuna and watermelon, ceviche, fish shawarma and more. From their balcony, we could see all the way from the sea of Galilee and the Golan Heights to the Lower Galilee. All the while, we took delightful sips of their wines, graphas and rose and had occasional cat visitors that eventually became part of the view.
The entire concept of visitors' center and the balcony was built by hand by the founders of the winery, Jonathan Koren and Yaniv Kimchi including tables that are made of old barrels.
Lotem has no menu; they cook based on what's available that day at the market, and I love that.
I have been drinking wine for years and always loved good wine. But after being introduced to this entire wine culture in such fashion, hearing all the stories and learning about the process, I appreciate wine so much more. I am very excited to continue exploring this fascinating world of wine and I hope that you do too :)
