Monday, October 31, 2011

Basically Essential

This week... the last two weeks, deserve a post for themselves. I feel as if I need to take out my diary from 7th grade and dispense my mind of clustering mental activity. Only I wouldn't be writing about boys and bff's who stole my crush of the week, so it clearly wouldn't be the appropriate place for my emotional relinquishment at age 24. However, it seems as if I have survived and we're going to be OK. 

I left home, my family and friends, and my old life in Los Angeles to move to Israel in the most impulsive way imaginable. Like I was buying a $1,800 handbag that I'd fallen in love with. Not quite the same. But I had fallen in love and had the opportunity to do something that I'd always dreamed about, never conceiving the idea that one day I'd actually do it. (Moving to Israel, that is) Though this entire experience has been... remarkably incredible, there have been times of adversity. My boyfriend and I just moved into our own apartment (roommate free!) smack in the middle of the city. Naturally, we found ourselves in the middle of a financial hiccup. We were also both so stressed out that it sort of took away from the fact that this is the first time we're moving in with our "significant other". Huuuuuuge step! =) Soon I found myself back on the job hunt. So I started going through my own emotional breakdown of "I don't know what I want to do with my life anymore..." "There's nothing for me to do in Israel..." "I can't believe I have to be a waitress again..."  Then, in my most vulnerable state possible, I landed a job interview. THE job interview. The one that could change everything... The one that did. Sitting in that room, talking to those people, brought back a little piece of the "old Oriahn". I felt like I'd forgotten so much of what I used to be passionate about, what I'd accomplished in my life, how ambitious and driven I was... Suddenly I realized I still am. 

That day brought me to a bench on Rothschild Boulevard, a beautiful street in Tel Aviv with two bike/pedestrian lanes separated by grass, ponds, playgrounds etc... The street is lined with big shady trees and benches that run down the boulevard, perfect for "people watching" (an Israeli fav) all the cyclists and business men/women who go by. As I was sitting on the bench waiting for a friend to me meet me for coffee, a breeze came by, grazing my skin, lifting my hair, and it was the first time I'd felt chilly in a long time... It was such a wonderful change from the intense humidity and heat we had over the summer. So for me, this was magical. Especially since I've been getting a little sad that I'm not home for my favorite season, and seeing everyone's Halloween costumes on FB definitely doesn't help. I realized though that Israel has it's own wonders of fall. Maybe no Halloween or Thanksgiving.. But people here have softened up, nature starts changing, and the air gets a bit crisp here too...


This got me thinking about certain items in my closet that have been waiting to be unleashed... In fact, I have been waiting! Normally a new season for me means time to shop all the latest trends. But given my financial situation, for now I'm eagerly awaiting the comeback of those timeless, classic, always essential pieces to come out of their hybernation.
Basically Essential
Madewell Crewneck Shirt in Grey $98 - A go-to staple 
Cable Cardigan with Military Inspired Vest - 250 Euro - Such great layering pieces when you're going casual
All Saints Hestone Leather Jacket $495 - 100% Italian Goatskin and I love the funnel collar!
Frye Veronica Combat boots $268 - A great durable pair of boots is a MUST for fall. Frye boots are something that everyone should invest in. They have been known for their craftsmanship for more than 100 years. Nobody really does it better than Frye.
Proenza Schouler PS1 Large Bag $1,995 - The $2000 price tag isn't a must, but investing in a great  bag like the PS1 (when the time is right) goes a long way.
Jocelyn Short Rabbit Infinity Scarf  $158 - For me, scarves are your winter necklace and is the perfect accessory for any outfit. When its a fur snood, its that much more desirable, and never ever goes out of style!
 I'm OBSESSED with Rag and Bone's Wool Floppy Brim Fedora. No matter what your wearing, hats tend to complete any look. And going from a straw to wool fedora is the perfect transition to fall. Alexander Wang London Sunglasses $369 - Just because the heat has left the building, doesn't mean the sun has. Find a great pair of shades that fit your face and your style and wear them all year long.

Thank you for the love and support
Hope you continue reading

Oriahn

Friday, October 28, 2011

The Wang Thang

Its nice to know that one of the coolest men in fashion has some Halloween spirit. But of course he incorporates his spooky holiday spirit in his cool, urban, modern edge. Alexander Wang's latest store instillation on 103rd street includes a black cage in the center of their completely white washed surrounding, with black birds perched on top. The instillation was inspired by Alfred Hitchcock's 1952 horror film, The Birds, which will be playing throughout the store for the Halloween season in a black and white, silent version. The entire instillation is a bit eerie but still holds the essence of who and what Alexander Wang is throughout the store. Snaps to Wang and his Visual Team.





Monday, October 24, 2011

All in the Details


Have you met Blair of Atlantic-Pacific? If not, you need to... This woman is the Kate Moss of Fashion Bloggers. She mixes current trends with classic pieces and always struts her stuff with sophistication and class. The most unique thing about her, she really styles her outfits with the mind of a merchant. She plays with color, textures, patterns, accessories and is the queen of layering. Seriously, she inspired me so much that I've actually been layering a lot more myself before realizing that San Francisco weather and Tel Aviv weather is anything but similar. Ten minutes after being outside and I already want to start shedding off my clothes. How does she do it???

Lessons to learn from Miss Bee (no matter what the weather is like outside)

  • Don't be afraid of color! Whether it be bright and contrasting colors, or an entire monochromatic outfit, go for it! Styling and confidence shine brighter than any color there is! 




  • Accessorizing is HUGE. Many times an accessory could BE the outfit. Take bold pieces and mix them with lighter pieces. See how Bee mixes her Menswear inspired watch with thin gold bangles, LOVE IT!!! 
  • The second you start layering, your entire outfit is transformed! And if you find yourself in a dilemma like my own, layer with lighter fabrication. Tights instead of heavy pants, vests instead of jackets, silk scarves instead of wool/cashmere. 


  • Think outside the box. Why not mix stripes with polka dots? Or stars with leopard print? Throw a shirt over dress and belt it. Make your own rules. As long as you shine through them =) 




Visit Bee's Blog Here and Send her your Love 

Then come back, and share your love with me =)

Oriahn 

Thursday, October 20, 2011

Catch-Up

I have a confession to make. And for those who do read and follow my blog, I am especially apologetic to you. This past month I deliberately put Culture Shock on hold in light of my twin sister Dona, who I haven't seen in almost a year, coming to Israel to visit me. From Greece until her arrival a week later, I pulled a major mom moment (atleast a my mom moment). I started cleaning, organizing, decorating and building things for the house with the help of my amazing boyfriend, all in the week before her arrival. We built a four foot long free standing bookshelf and nightstand, suspended a 2 inch wooden shelf from the ceiling and attached a hang-bar below for my clothes and accessories, and dyed white curtains from Ikea the most beautiful turquoise color ever. The month that she was here was amazing and much much needed. Really truly incredible... Saying goodbye to her was so horrible, if I think about it i'll start to cry all over again. Which brings me to my next exciting update... While Dona was here, she helped us look for apartments in the city and we ended up finding one right in the Middle of Tel Aviv! It's the perfect project to dive right into and keep me preoccupied until I find a job close to home. Anyhow, the apartment is an old itty bitty living space but it's so cute. I'm so excited to to add our elements of style into our new home. Between Doron knowing how to design and build just about anything, and my instinctive desire to style and organize everything, I'm curious to see how it will turn out. Did I mention, this is the first time I'm going to live alone "with a boy!!!" (Name that show!) No roommates, just me and him in our tiny little abode! Huge step for Oriahn and Doron... 

Even though its been more than a month, I wanted to share pictures from our 2 Year Anniversary Greece Trip. They are just too beautiful to pass up. If there weren't so many places that I want to see in the world, I'd go back.  

(Morning stroll on the beach by the hotel) 


(Our sexy lady sand castle we made together)

(Enjoyed the sunset from the still, warm, crystal clear water)

(Night out on the town)

(We spent a lot of time in the old city, eating amazing food, drinking amazing wine, and riding our scooter through the tiny little streets) 

(Moussaka- Don't ask questions, just go to Greece and try it. A M A Z ING....)

(View of Mali, Crete)


(Black Widows sitting outside their home making lace by hand. Also I must add, Grecian's are by far the nicest people I've ever met)


(Such an old concept, but I loved this pattern)

(Walking through the streets in Chania, an old Venetian city)

(I think I may have about 1000 photographs of doors alone. This turquoise door was by far one of my favorites)

(These bright pink flowers are the accessory to nearly every house in Crete. I love the bold color and energy of them. Now I believe flowers are just as important to a home as a necklace is to a dress. Major Must)

(An abandoned house in the Old City. I found the aging stone walls with the remains of blue and green colors beautifully inspiring)

(Whether it be a tiny little hilltop church or a massive center stage kind of church, the beauty is significantly unimaginable. Every ornate high ceiling like this one is hand painted)

(Me and my amazing boyfriend. To many more years together, I love you Dorony!)

YAMAS!