I recently traveled back to my hometown Nahariya in Israel. My kids stayed home with their father, so it allowed me to have quality time with my family and celebrate my hero, my dad. He was the purpose of this trip, I wanted to surprise him for his 75th birthday! He was not expecting me to be there, so the surprise was successful! To watch this special event click here, fair warning, you may ruin your mascara watching this video. Since this was a kid-free trip, it also allowed me to spend uninterrupted time with my squad!
It’s been a while since we all got together, and all four of them have played such a big role in my life. So of course, we had to travel around Israel together and experience new restaurants, bars, and even a lovely winery together. It was our version of sex & the city… maybe sex & the holy city? Has a nice ring to it!
HOTEL ORIENT IN JERUSALEM
My sister, Orly, gifted me an overnight stay in Jerusalem with my girls! We stayed at the Hotel Orient. The hotel was perfectly decorated, featured great amenities, and was in a great location! On the rooftop of this amazing hotel was an infinity pool! It was perfect for a sunny day, and gave beautiful views of the city below. We obviously took advantage of the photo opportunity! The staff was very helpful to us during our stay. I couldn’t recommend this hotel more! Visit their Instagram @isrotelhotels to take a look for yourself!
WHERE TO GO IN JERUSALEM
If you visit Israel, you must go to the Mehane Yehuda market! It is the heart of Jerusalem. It contains so many great aromas and is filled with color. This market has restaurants, drinks, shopping, and more! We actually ate at a restaurant within the market, Arais Machane Yehuda. The food was very yummy and also travel friendly, so it allowed you to continue on shopping. While in Jerusalem we also visited the restaurant, Chakra. It had a great Mediterranean menu that paired well with the featured Israeli wines. It was very lively, so it was the perfect start to a night on the town.
On our night out we visited two bars with two very different vibes! If you are looking for a place with great company and signature cocktails, Gatsby is for you! It creates a different experience from what you’d get at any other bar because it plays homage to the roaring 20’s. Rothschild Bar was our next stop. Don’t let the name fool you, this place definitely is more of a club scene! It was perfect for what we were looking for. It has great music and even has a speak easy on the rooftop– don’t tell anyone I told you!
KITRON WINERY
Since we had a wine expert with us, we visited a hidden gem! It is located at the feet of the Galilee wine area, which is the best area to grow grapes! Kitron Winery is family owned and run. We were so lucky to have the father and founder, Meir, give us a tour! It was unlike any winery I’ve been to before. Check out their Instagram @kitronwinery to get a little taste of the experience.
We wouldn’t have known about this winery if it wasn’t for my sister, Orly. If you are in the wine world and visiting Israel, you need to contact my sister @orlyfitness! She is starting to give winery tours and will plan an unforgettable wine experience for you.
SHOPPING FOR YOU
It wouldn’t have been a complete trip to Israel if I didn’t pick up a couple pieces for my upcoming shopping event on July 7th. I am always trying to highlight Isreali businesses and designers, so I have three designers I wish to share with you, Tal Drori Shem-Tov of Collécte Bags, Zahavit Tshuba, and Sabina Musayev.
I visited one of my favorite designers @tutti_shemtoy founder and designer of @collecte.bags at her home studio! These bags are amazing. Handmade in Tel Aviv, and made only with luxury raw materials. Here’s a little secret! We finalized the first order that will be available at my studio 900xTALI! Although these won’t be in my hands for the virtual shopping event, you will be able to place preorders! Stay tuned for more information!
If you follow my Instagram @talikogan, you may have noticed a bright red bag I was wearing throughout this trip. This bag (featured above) and others like it will be available during my virtual shopping experience! The bags I’ve selected for you consist of bold colors and patterns that are a great addition to any wardrobe. To have the opportunity to add one of these beautiful bags to your closet, make sure to register for my shopping event, linked here. The dress (featured above) is the work of Zahavit Tshuba, a brilliant Israeli designer based in Bucharest! Check out their Instagram @zahavittshuba!
Another Israeli designer that I am absolutely in love with currently is Sabina Musayev! I made sure to bring a few of her pieces with me to Israel, like the one featured above! Check out her Instagram @sabinamusayev. You may have seen some of her pieces in Anthropologie, click here to shop. Many of her pieces are perfect for a warm sunny day, so make sure you check out her designs!
A MAGICAL ENDING TO A MAGICAL TRIP
To wrap up this magical trip, I visited the most magical home. My bestie, Lia, created the closest thing to Alexander McQueen! Everything in this home was envisioned by Lia and a lot was handmade by her and her husband. The colors and details are mind blowing. I couldn’t stop taking photographs of her genius! Lia is an Israeli designer. She is the one who inspired me to quit my accounting career and start Tel Aviv Couture! DM her on Instagram @lia_speiser, to ask if she has availabilities for virtual and in person styling. Her rates are insanely reasonable and she will change your life!
With the world now opening up, it’s the perfect time to visit new locations! Maybe you might consider visiting Israel.
Also, for the opportunity to shop the amazing designers featured above, don’t forget to register for my shopping event! It is coming up on July 7th, you’re not going to want to miss it! To register, click here. To stay up to date on all upcoming events sign up for my newsletter!
Please keep in mind that I am also offering 1:1 styling services. Click here for my full services. You can also always shop my top picks on the Tel Aviv Couture Boutique, check to see if any of your favorites are on sale now!
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