Ruthie - Brooklyn Museum

I love seeing people who do something unique with a standard look. In this case, it's the jean skirt. Ruthie's skirt is a classic jean skirt - straight, short, cute. A staple of any frum girl's wardrobe. But her shirt is what really makes this outfit stand out. The bohemian style softens the lines of her skirt, and the colorful design adds a bright touch to the outfit.
Ruthie's shoes were great. Classic and simple, they complimented the colors of her shirt perfectly. The lines intersecting the toe and heel made them visually interesting, and that smooth leather just makes me drool.
Also - I love Ruthie's bobbed sheitel. Who needs to pay $2,500 for a long sheitel when they can look awesome in a short one? (Of course, they could still probably buy a used car for the amount they'll pay for it, but it's cheaper than the longer ones!)

Rafi - MIMULO, Crown Heights

Once again, we're featuring a dude on Hip in the Heights. It's a rare occurrence over here, less because there aren't well dressed gentlemen who cross my path and more because there are very few of whom I can photograph without them being, shall we say, overly complimented. (Perhaps this is an issue best addressed at a different blogging location.) Thankfully, in the safe haven of the remarkable flower shop Mimulo located on Albany Ave. between Eastern Parkway and Union St, under the supervision of the wonderful proprietors, Chanie Frankel and Fradel Levin, where you can purchase original and artistic flower arrangements for your spouse, host, or self, and, in general, escape the CH, I was able to capture the following:

Rafi is wearing an outfit (if anyone knows of a more masculine term, please inform me) that I liked for a few different aspects. The color scheme - gray, beige, black, tied together neatly with a coordinating scarf - is very sophisticated, and is also not black or navy blue. This is very important when judging a bochur's clothing. Has he managed to elude the restrictions upon his choice of clothing enough to be interesting and still be able to walk into 770, head held high? (Or in other words, conservative enough that no one will say anything.) 

Another aspect is contrast. Here, the pattern of his jacket and the heavy knit of his sweater create a contrast of pattern and fabric. The cut of the jacket and length of the sweater creates a contrast of shapes. 

Then of course, there is the all important, and highly favored, aspect of footwear. These are awesome. AWESOME. Stylized black - ooh, and don't forget pointy - wingtips? Awesome.

Zahava - Union and Albany, Brooklyn

Bs"d
Zahava has incredible style. I met in her in Israel, and she had incredible style. In Israel. In seminary (Ok, she was a madricha at Machon Alte, but still, it was seminary in Israel).
This outfit just embodies so many things I love. Perfect combination, an awesome and very comfortable looking dress, nude fishnet stockings, and ankle-strap spectator pumps .
A closer look:

Melanie - College Avenue, Berkeley

Sometimes, things are just meant to be. While out running errands with a friend in my hometown, I spotted this young lady. I commented to my friend that she would be perfect for my blog. "Go back and take the shot!", she encouraged me. So I turned and walked straight up to this excellently attired girl, gave my (neccessarily) brief description of what I wanted from her and why, and (thankfully) took the shot you see above. Any devoted reader can already surmise what attracted my fashionist eye. The colors, the shapes, the Converse. How often do YOU see purple, pink, orange, and blue combined with such flair? The shapes of the pants and the tank top were simple, as well as the shape of her hair, contrasting delightfully with the bold colors and more complex detail of her jewelry.
It was on taking a closer shot of said jewelry that I noticed something. Something that made me realize why I stumbled across this particular girl at this particular moment.
Can you guess?
Yup, the little bitty Star of David. "Are you Jewish?", I asked, and of course, she was. Not only Jewish, but about to set off on her first-ever trip to Israel. Not willing to let this oppurtune encounter slip away, and not being the type who carries neshek in her purse, I had to think fast. I pulled a dollar from my wallet and gave it to her. "Give it at the Wall," I said. "Have a safe trip."
I hope she did.

Rachel - Los Angeles, CA

Bsd
Rachel is my (not actually physically related) cousin whom I love dearly, and miss dearly, because she is going to high school in Israel, the land of her soul. I took this picture in June, when she was finishing up her sophomore year at BCHS, my alma mater. I appreciated three elements about this outfit. The color, the coordination, and the (sheesh, I can't think of a word that starts with "c" to complete this sentence. If any readers have any ideas, please comment, and I'll edit accordingly) quirky touches.
The color: This shade of blue is a wonderful complement to Rachel's beautiful blondeness. It makes her skin look creamy and her eyes extra chocolately (ooh, I think I'm craving ice cream.) My point here is it's a great shade for her. The contrast between the dark blue shirt and the tan skirt is crisp and creates a nicely defined look.
The coordination: Take a closer look at Rachel's socks, and you will find the exact elements of her ensemble reflected there. I am a great lover of attention to detail and that definitely extends to footwear. (In fact, in a desperate moment when I was unable to find a pair of socks that matched my outfit, I chose to match my earrings to my socks.)
The (word starting with "c" that will imminently be inserted): The shoes. It's always about the shoes, but even more so in this scenario. Converse generally hold a special place in the portion of my heart devoted to fashion, but these! These! Colored laces - in only one shoe! Personal messages inscribed! Worn with socks and skirt! My affections overwhelm me!
I LOVE YOU, RACHEL!

Sunday Girl - San Jose Flea Market

BsdThis little girl was trailing her mother at the incredibly hige and hot San Jose Flea Market, yet still managed to look fresh and darling. One day, when I grow up and move to the South, this is what I want to wear when sipping mimosas and fanning myself as I sit on the porch swing.

Mushky - Jewish Heritage Night, San Francisco

BsdThere's nothing like nachas. And there's nothing like feeling nachas when you're only twenty years old. And there's nothing to make you feel older than feeling nachas when you're only twenty years old. But how else do you describe the feeling of seeing a girl, whose three year birthday you remember celebrating, and realizing that she is a serious fashion contender? And also realizing that it's ten years later, and you are no longer a teen, and SHE IS.
Polka dotted shirt, a ball cap(and it is hard to wear one of those and look good!), and converse shoes? I wish I had looked like this at thirteen! (What was I thinking back then? Note to Self: Remember to burn pictures.).
A closer look at those suitably worn Converse: