Shul Chic
Religion isn't a topic I usually broach. In fact, as a southern girl I was always taught never to discuss politics, religion, or money. But in light of all the chaotic chatter surrounding the recent election, I figured what the heck. No, I'm not going to talk pant suits or national security, but I would like to share a bit more about myself and my religious affiliation with my readers, and I will ultimately bring it back to fashion. I'm going there. If this topic nauseates you, you can skip to the bottom to find outfit details.
If you've been following me for a bit then you probably know by now how passionate I am about Israel and how important my Jewish identity is to me. I didn't grow up observant, but I was raised with a very strong Jewish sense of self. It has always been so much more than a belief system, tradition, and even community to me. It is an integral part of my being. After college I spent time in Israel and became more religiously observant, and shortly after, I married my husband who grew up in a religious home. Judaism has always been a cornerstone in our daily activities and we connect on a deeper level because of our shared passion for a Jewish family life.
Because we adhere to an orthodox Jewish life, we observe Shabbat aka Shabbos aka the Sabbath. Which means from sundown on Friday night until an hour after sundown on Saturday night we don't work, we don't turn electric devices on or off, we don't drive, and we don't spend money. It is a protected time with our family and friends and community to reset and focus on each other and look inside ourselves. I count on this time and I don't know how I survived without observing it for so many years. The stresses and the noise of the week fade away and I remember what really matters in life. It's a time to pause and express gratitude and think about the direction of my life and what I'd like to work on and what I need to ask for help with. And then there's the food. So much of the religion revolves around eating. It's amazing. To really understand the essence of Judaism you should probably bake a challah, have a bowl of cholent, and drink a glass or two of scotch. L'chaim!
We go to the synagogue (aka shul) almost every Saturday which is the highlight of my week. I love feeling like a part of an age-old heritage and I feel inexplicably connected to the generations and generations that came before me. The sense of community fulfills me and I love raising my girls with these timeless traditions and beautiful spirituality. And of course we all love to get dressed up.
For a while, I've been meaning to post inspiration for what to wear to shul, which can be interchangeable with church or any occasion that calls for more modest dressing. This time of year can be really overwhelming in terms of outfits if you observe all of the Jewish holidays. There are so many holidays back-to-back with Shabbat mixed in, in between. Because I don't use my phone or camera on Shabbat I never document my shul looks. But, in the midst of this marathon of holidays, I decided I want to make an effort to take photos after the fact of some of the outfits I wear that I think could be inspiring for shul or any more modest occasion. It's so important to feel confident and beautiful on the holidays. I believe that when you feel good about the exterior, it translates to the inside and vice versa. We all want to feel like the best versions of ourselves and there's nothing more distracting than feeling uncomfortable in mind or body. Our outfit has a direct effect on our mood.
This look is modest, but still very true to who I am. I may wear the same dress as Kate Middleton, but I would feel like an imposter with her nude pumps and dainty jewelry. Without the bold additions, I would be a little sad. It may be shocking and even controversial to see patent leather platform booties and multicolor fur at the synagogue, but when anchored by the elegant brocade dress and beret, I stand by the choice. I think it is okay to push the envelope with styling as long as you don't think you will overtly offend the community leaders or members. Basically what I mean is, know your audience. Color, texture, and sparkle are great ways to add interest to a tailored ensemble without crossing the line. This dress could be reworked in so many different ways, but this was a fun and impromptu pairing. Whenever I fail to follow my instincts it shows in how I carry myself, so I believe in trusting my gut and not overthinking when it comes to putting together an outfit. I am excited to share more of my Shul Chic looks with you. Look out for them on Instagram!
