What did you or do you do for work?

My husband and I opened our large format commercial printing business in 1983 which serves the Chicagoland area construction industry. Forty one years have gone by  quickly! We have multiple locations, employees who are trustworthy and have been with us for decades. I am fortunate that I can sit down with our graphic designers offering my creativity, passion and style, with an eye on details. We have the flexibility that allows us to travel, volunteer and pursue interests which we enjoy separately as individuals and together. I am a member of a local Chavra Kadisha, enjoy the company of our three adult daughters and two bright and energetic grandsons. When our youngest daughter graduated college and I became a grandmother, I began modeling. Who knows where life will take you?

How would you describe your style as a teenager?

My teenage style was definitely hippie chic with a touch of rockabilly! With my family’s limited resources, my wardrobe was limited to a few pieces of clothing which included bell bottoms, a suede beaded belt, desert boots, moccasins and leotards. Trips to resale shops and hand me downs added pieces and maybe, just maybe when I began to realize I had an eye for fashion that was stylish, conservative, comfortable and fun!

I began babysitting to save for a jacket or sweater that would add a POP of self expression.

How would you describe your style now?

I’d describe my style as sophisticated, casual, cozy, feminine and fun! I feel most comfortable in dresses and skirts which is why I adore Alembika clothing! I tend to dress monochromatically in blues, blacks, and grays. I own the Alembika Cocoon dress in navy, which is great day or night and delicious to travel in! 

The Cocoon Dress is the perfect backdrop to showcase ease, comfort and whichever accessories I’m in the mood for on any particular day… vintage frye biker boots and black leather jacket? Gym shoes and a jean jacket? Cowboy boots? Jewelry from my mother or grandmother – or a scarf for a pop of color that I’ve knit or purchased on our travels. Coats are the final layer with choices from travels to Paris, Israel, South America, or an up and coming local, young Chicago designer or America’s southwest.

I’ve moved on from my 1970’s bell bottoms to a maxi denim skirt that I sewed   from two pairs of my husband’s jeans from the 1980’s which I wear all year round, accessorizing with sweaters and T shirts, different belts, shoes or boots.

May I share that I am complimented on my style by both friends and strangers?! Personally, I feel we bring our outer selves into the world with our individual style and our inner light into the world with our smiles. Remember Annie The Musical? ” You’re never fully dressed without a smile!!”

What would you do if you had the whole day for yourself?

I’d begin my day with the warmest cup of black tea and honey. I’d be taking a class in mysticism, or Jewish studies. Then WALK to a bookstore with a curated list in hand. Browse and take the time to read each book blurb, waiting for my heart to beat a bit faster when I know AHA – this book is it! Grab lunch, and weather permitting find a park bench to eat and read, until I’m ready for another walk in search of a latte. Then off to find a museum, be it Judaic, textile, history or art. Of course arriving in time to hit the gift shop before it closes!  A taco anywhere, then ending my day with a warm glass of milk, chocolate chip cookie snuggled in bed with my treasured book find.

Who gave you the most valuable piece of advice and what was it?

Two answers here:

1) When my boyfriend asked my grandfather Sol for my hand in marriage, my grandfather responded ” Don’t worry about differences of religion. He’s honest and a  sincere young man. You won’t find another man like this.”  We were so young! We adored and respected my grandfather. Religion was and continues to be important to us. It’s a way we choose to show up in the world, together. It’s the bridge that connects us to the greater world and being of service to others. Our synagogue is an extended community, a place to sing and reflect. Our grandchildren are 5th generation. Kind of a love affair, if you will. Thank you Grampa. We’ll be married 48 years in February, together 50!

2) Secondly: Enid Mills was a dear friend of my mother’s. In the early 1970’s, she asked me to sit and chat, was I alright? The fact that she took the time to see me, listen to me and get to know me as an individual, a teenage girl with all the trials and tribulations that go with this stage in life, taught me to be an attentive, present and compassionate listener. Without putting advice into words, Enid modeled and taught me the value of befriending people regardless of age, young or old, and that we all have a story to share.

What’s on my Alembika wish list?

Are you ready? The Essential Tekbika Signature Dress, the Urban Maxima Crew Cocoon Dress, the Aquarius Cardigan Jacket, Meet Me At Midnight jacket and a pair of the Urban Snake Iconic Jeans. Let’s go shopping!

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